National Poverty In America Awareness Month

Poverty, in some form or another, has existed for centuries. Rather than a static condition that a few unlucky people experience, poverty is a state of human experience with multiple dimensions and outcomes.

The answers to defeating poverty are complex, but one important factor comes into play through having a more informed public. And that’s what National Poverty In America Month is all about!

History of National Poverty In America Awareness Month

While the actual event started fairly recently, its roots can be traced back to more than 60 years ago when US President Lydon B Johnson declared an “unconditional war on poverty” during his 1964 State of the Union address.

From that declaration grew several different progressive actions and organizations, such as the Community Partnership Program, Head Start, SNAP, utility assistance, Job Corps, and a wide range of others.

But even decades later, statistics from the US Census Bureau show that still more than 37 million Americans, or over 11% of the population, have been living in poverty.

It was in 2009 that National Poverty In America Awareness Month became formally recognized by the US Congress as poverty was on the rise again.

The hope behind the event is to encourage more education about the factors behind poverty, improve public awareness about access to assistance programs, and promote the reduction of poverty prevalence in every community.

How to Celebrate National Poverty In America Awareness Month

Get involved throughout National Poverty in America Awareness Month, starting with some of these ideas and activities:

Support Charities to Help End Poverty

Community is a vital part of protecting individuals and families from poverty because it means there is a friend to help when there is a need. While it is vital to include neighbors and family in the mix, many people can be part of the larger solution by supporting a charity that fights against the contributors of poverty.

In honor of Poverty In America Awareness Month, consider helping through financial support or volunteering with some of these organizations who are fighting poverty in the US:

• Oxfam America focuses on the root causes and structure of poverty 
• Habitat for Humanity makes a difference by helping families afford their own homes
• Entryway is fighting poverty by working against homelessness through housing efforts alongside career training and employment assistance 

Learn Facts About Poverty

Several different factors can be considered contributors to poverty, and one of the goals behind National Poverty Awareness in America Month might be to learn more about poverty and then act as an agent of cultural change in the local community.

• People of color are more likely to experience poverty in America
• About 2/3 of the people who face food insecurity are not technically qualified by the US government as in poverty
• People with disabilities and chronic health conditions are more likely to face poverty
• It is projected that about half of all American adults will have spent some portion of their lives living below the poverty level.