Written by Lauren James Budhu
In a world full of peak economic development, continuous technological advances and financial resources, the fact that millions of people are living in poverty is a moral outrage. This is not solely an economic issue, but rather an extremely complex problem that takes a multi-faceted approach to help solve. It is for this reason that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is recognized each year. This year, the theme for the day is “Putting Dignity in Practice for All.”
Established on October 17th, 1987, the annual observance “honors the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger,” according to the United Nations. The day offers an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of those living in poverty, a chance for people to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first to fight against poverty.
A word used often, many may wonder what poverty truly means. The United Nations notes that it’s more than just a lack of income and resources to sustain life. It also manifests into hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination, as well as lack of participation in decision-making.
According to the United States Census, 11.5 percent of the U.S. population lived below the poverty line in 2022, which equates to 37.9 million people. This is a 1 percent increase from before the pandemic in 2019. These numbers run in contrast to the fact that America ranks first as the richest nation in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Yet particularly in the United States, the problem with the accuracy of these statistics is that they don't take obvious indicators into account, said Grace Bonilla, president of the United Way of New York City. For example, measures look at pretax income instead of actual take-home pay, and don’t consider family composition or the cost of child care. That’s why actual poverty might be far more widespread than we imagine. As a response, the Census Bureau has adapted measurements to consider some of these factors, though they still don’t produce the most accurate account.
What is actually being done to eradicate poverty in the United States? During the pandemic, those in poverty and many who straddled the border were able to use refundable tax credits and stimulus payments to stay afloat. Unfortunately, those programs have since expired and caused poverty rates to skyrocket; in particular, the rate for children has doubled from 5.2 percent in 2021 to 12.4 in 2022, according to the Census Bureau.
Yet other social programs are actively working to combat the problem. This includes HeadStart, as well as Social Security, which lifted 28.9 million people out of poverty last year, according to census data. In its report, the Census Bureau said Social Security was the "most important anti-poverty program in 2022." Still, there are many more things the government can continue to do to help solve our poverty problem, such as raising the minimum wage, providing permanent paid family and medical leave, supporting pay equity, and many more.
In addition to these programs and policy changes, how can we, as citizens, help those living in poverty or straddling the line? Here are few things that can make a difference:
- Celebrate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Oct. 17, 2023, by tuning into Facebook Live for a special United Nations’ ceremony. Get more info here!
- Donate to one of the many charities dedicated to helping those in poverty.
- Support local food banks in your area by donating groceries or supplies.
- Support local businesses with a track record of helping impoverished communities.
- Make kits or fundraise for those experiencing homelessness in your neighborhood.
Poverty is preventable. America has the power to ensure that all people can build financial stability and live their lives comfortably. Learn more about the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and how to raise awareness.
