Poverty levels in the US

The issue of poverty in the US is a surprise to many people. How it is possible that first world nation like America experiences something like poverty, Although the poverty level in the US is lower than in out underdeveloped nations, the issue is very real. Rural communities and inner cities across the country are all experience some form of poverty.

In 2004, the government defined the poverty level as family with four members living with a household income of less than $19,000. However considering the increase in cost for housing, food, healthcare and utilities, this income level seems really low.

Poverty affects Americans in many ways. For example, those affected by poverty cannot afford better food. This in turn affects their health making studying or working more difficult. Those who cannot work or study will then be even deeper under the poverty line. This circle goes on and on. Besides this, poverty also raises some social issues like racism, discrimination and increase in crime levels.

With more than thirty five million people living under the poverty in the country, this issue is one of the country’s biggest problems currently. It will require a lot of imagination and effort to even think about solving this problem. To be able to solve this issue, one has to look at the cultivation of dreams and talents among these Americans.

One of the ways to get out of the circle of doom described above is through education. Children should have equal access to education, no matter what the social class the child is in. The government has to ensure that the education is provided to the poor. This is done by taxing the haves and subsidizing the have-nots. Every citizen should be made aware that poverty is not an isolated problem and will have drastic affects on everyone living in American even if they are above the poverty line.

At least this issue of poverty has been recognized by some not for profit organization who has begun to work against poverty in the country. Organization like the Catholic Campaign for Human Development aims to turn America into a more caring society where poverty is seen as an enemy of the state. Another program, the Clemente Course aims to provide the underprivileged with an education program and offers courses in humanities for those not able to make it to college.