According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans living in poverty is at highest in the recorded history of the Census, which has figures dating back for 51 years. The number of Americans living in poverty was estimated at 43.6 million in 2009.
The official poverty rate computes out to about 1 in 7 Americans who are living in poverty. Also, concerning is the increase in the number of children who are living in poverty from 19% in 2008 to 20.7% in 2009. This means that on average one in five children live in poverty.
The one bit of good news in this report is that the poverty rate among all ages did not rise above 14.3%. As disheartening as that number is, some had predicted the rate might rise as high as 15%.
The government is expected to publish new, supplemental poverty figures beginning next year which are expected to show an even higher number of people in poverty. This leaves no better time than the present to get involved with groups, like IFC, that help fight poverty.
The statistics contained in this posting were published by MSNBC and you can read the full article on their website at : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39211644/ns/us_news-life/
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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Welcome to March on Poverty
The Inter-Faith Council (IFC) believes that now is the time to stop poverty in its tracks. Many in our community are struggling to hang on; and many need the inspiration of our community leaders to do something about poverty's influence and prominence. We need everyone who cares about reducing poverty's hold over increasing numbers of Carrboro and Chapel Hill households and unsheltered persons. Our new March On Poverty blog summons you to our call and the original call of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the countless among us who have followed in his footsteps. You ask, "how long will this take?" Dr. King said "Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Poverty is the primary cause of homelessness and hunger, two community challenges IFC volunteers and staff cross swords with daily. A lack of an adequate response by state, federal and local governments enable and procrastinate these conditions. We seek to create a just community, one that is committed to overcoming social problems by a greater commitment to the common good. We hope our blog will bring you more in touch with these issues. We hope you will come to know the facts about IFC future plans, new program models and new facilities commonly called Community House and FoodFirst. We hope you will join us.
Stay tuned! Stay in touch! March On!
Stay tuned! Stay in touch! March On!
View the Community House Mission & Vision
View the FoodFirst Mission & Vision
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