Poverty in America is a pervasive problem that affects millions of families. From food shortages to homelessness and beyond, poverty has a significant and devastating impact on our bodies, our minds, and even our spirits.
With all the wealth of America so unevenly distributed, we need to take a good hard look at how our current financial infrastructure is not working for many of us. Living in the wealthiest country in the world, yet not being able to afford basic comforts such as food and shelter is unacceptable. What can be done to eliminate this ongoing cycle of poverty before it becomes a life-threatening issue?
Start with your community
Making a strong commitment to eliminate poverty within your community is an outreach effort that will quickly spread, if enough people combine their efforts. Here are some things you can start in your neighborhood, your community, and your city, in hopes that it will eventually become a nationwide movement that inspires others to help balance the scales. Take these steps to effect long lasting change and improve lives from your very first community action:
1. Place an emphasis on and invest in education
Strong research exists that points to the need for a solid education to reduce and eliminate poverty within our communities. If a child’s basic needs are not met, it is impossible for them to succeed in school. Providing families with food and stable shelter will allow some relief, allowing them to invest in education that will give them more opportunities to excel and make choices that will lead them out of their current living situation.
2. Create a safety net
Working on establishing resources for families that are struggling gives them relief from having to worry about basic survival needs. If we connect and share our time, our talents, and our resources, there is no reason that any member of your community should worry about going hungry. Following a specific protocol of needs should be a well-known pathway, both for those who are providing services and those who take advantage of them. It is in following simple steps and providing support that families need to complete the process of receiving aid that you will eliminate struggle, one family at a time.
3. Volunteer your time
Volunteering is an excellent way to make a difference and improve the odds for individuals and families alike. Hundreds of volunteer opportunities involving labor, skills, and resources to your community exist; you only have to show up and donate your time and talents to see significant gains in the fight against poverty. Sign up, show up, and start making a difference. It’s never too early. We always have great volunteer opportunities in Bucks County, so you can start giving back to the community.
4. Combine forces to leverage power and influence
No single organization can effectively eradicate poverty on its own. By aligning the efforts of several different organizations, you ensure that every sub-sect of your community is reached, and significant change takes less time and effort.
5. Place an emphasis on correcting social injustices
Closing the gap on racial and ethnic inequalities in this country is critical to our success in ending poverty for good. Bringing in community leaders, focusing on cleaning up existing infrastructures, and providing new opportunities for people of all races and ethnicities will ensure that everyone has a brighter future.
Poverty is a disease that threatens our very moral fiber in this country; by working together and pooling our resources, we will be able to put aside some of the vast differences that exist between people, and focus instead on meeting basic needs and providing better quality of life for everyone. To learn more about community services opportunities in Bucks County, get in touch with us today.
