Poverty Awareness

Posted October 31, 2019

January is poverty awareness month. Learn how poverty affects our communities, nation and what Catholic Charities does to help.

NATIONAL POVERTY FACTS:

Homelessness

552,000 people in the United States are homeless as of 2021. Of those, 20% are children. Source: Catholic Charities USA

Poverty in the Diocese of Youngstown

According to the U.S Census Bureau, there are 163 thousand people living at or below the poverty line within the Diocese of Youngstown. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Children

In 2021, 1 in 6 children in the United States lived in poverty.
An estimated 1 in 8 children are food insecure in the United States as of 2021. Source: Catholic Charities USA

Seniors

The official census data gives seniors a 2021 senior poverty rate to 10.3%. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

1. Educate yourself about poverty in your community and in the United States.

2. Identify an issue (such as affordable housing, integrated health, nutrition, disaster operations) you are passionate about and can take action on.

3. Familiarize yourself with legislation and policy proposals that impact low-income families and individuals.

4. Reach out to those living in poverty in your community by participating in parish and community activities and service.

5. Identify existing resources or groups working on your issue in your community.

6. Pray for those whose lives are impacted by poverty. Download Prayer

7. Share what you have learned with others in your community and encourage them to take action too. Share this information on your social media pages!

8. Let your voice be heard by involving yourself in advocacy activities at the local, state and national levels.

9. Learn about volunteering with Catholic Charities in your community. Find a Catholic Charities agency near you

10 . Support Catholic Charities’ efforts. Donate Now

Share this page

Poverty Awareness

10 WAYS TO ADDRESS POVERTY