How many people need to struggle financially before it becomes recognized as a serious problem that needs to be addressed? Some could argue a few thousand to a million, yet when it comes down to it, no one should face issues obtaining necessities to survive.
According to World Vision, a global humanitarian organization dedicated to mitigating the causes of poverty, there are over 37 million individuals living in the U.S. who are currently affected by poverty, yet globally, the numbers have increased to almost 720 million in total in 2023.
Poverty has always been a prominent issue and continues to escalate in the U.S. with inflation, generational factors, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of education, discrimination and more. These examples represent just a fraction of the barriers and causes of those living in low-income households.
As these sources of poverty gradually increase, more Americans are forced into dangerous living conditions, restricting them from access to food, shelter and healthcare. Additionally, the Recovery Village states that these individuals have an increased chance of undergoing depression and suicide through this experience. Others may be taken advantage of because of their vulnerability and, in turn, use drugs as a coping mechanism.
Adults are not the only humans undergoing this issue as it was reported in the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau that 9 million children are also living in poverty. As a result, children are restricted from access to sanitation and proper shelter, which also causes learning challenges in school because of the lack of energy from nonnutritious food. Other issues like increased diaper prices leave parents in desperate need of more money to support their children’s health and hygiene.
Fortunately, for low-income Californians, there are a few government programs to help, including CalFresh, which offers aid in buying food; Medi-cal, which helps children and families receive medical services; and CalWorks, which offers financial assistance to specific families.
Though they sound understanding of people’s needs, these resources are still limited for some because of the strict rules regarding income and property. Interestingly enough, there was also a cap on the number of languages each website offered, so it can be especially challenging for immigrants with limited proficiency in English to navigate these sites.
Poverty is a worldwide issue, but it does not take billions of dollars to help decrease the negative impact it has on adults and children. Instead of overfilling closets with unused clothes or tucking them away in messy piles, one can sort out what can be kept and donated. Looking for old toys can also bring smiles to homeless children.
Volunteering at local organizations with food drives or soup kitchens is also a great way to help. It takes a driven, motivated community to get people off of the streets and strive to create a better life for them.
