The Truth about Poverty It is time to rethink poverty.

Its time to understand what poverty entails and eliminate assumptions. Its time to come together and use our newfound knowledge to combat poverty, no longer allowing it to continue unhindered. Misconceptions about the poor are rampant. But when more than fall into that category, it is our responsibility to understand more about it. It is time we took a better look at poverty#a look which enables us to understand, relate and empower. Because poverty goes far beyond the homeless man under the bridge you passed on your way to work. It also includes the family living in the house down the street that is fighting to put food on the table day to day. There are those in the community, however, who already understand these issues. "aco $abitat for $umanity partners with the community to build affordable housing for the impoverished. In so doing, they educated people about poverty but also provide aid to those in need. "aco %aritas serves as a hunger initiative, seeking to provide food services to the underprivileged of "aco and a place for volunteers to come and serve and learn. Mission "aco empowers the poor and enables the middle class to be a part of that process. In addition to providing programs that serve the poor and hope to empower them to escape poverty, Mission "aco also provides programs that educate the middle class about poverty and give opportunities for involvement. in ! people in "aco

According to the US Census Bureau

Therefore, following these organi&ations e'ample, lets address some of the common misconceptions that people often have about poverty. This will allow for a better understanding, so that the issue may be addressed in a constructive way by every individual. Misconception #1: Poor people are lazy. In reality, a high percentage of the poor are working or between (obs. In "aco, unemployment is around ).* percent +, yet the percentage of those living under the poverty line is +,.) percent. Therefore, there is a greater disconnect between poverty and unemployment than most would believe. The poor are not la&y. Many are hardworking. There is more to poverty than a lack of work-ethic. Misconception #2: Poverty has little impact on children. The phrase .children are resilient/ is often used. But its significantly more difficult to be resilient when one is on the streets or waiting days between meals. The truth is that research has shown that poverty is the single greatest threat to childrens well-being. It impedes development, hinders health, and creates behavioral problems that wouldnt otherwise e'ist. 0 Misconception #3: Poverty is too big an issue to do anything about. The programs of "aco organi&ations are making a difference in the lives of people every day, and they want to partner with all of "aco in continuing to do so.

+ 0

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics According to the National Center for Children in Poverty

In Mission "aco, e'amples of these differences include over 0!,111 meals served, 11 kids tutored, !0 adults given (ob training, and +111 %hristmas presents provided. ! 2nd while these things may not solve the whole of poverty, they do solve individual needs. Poverty isnt something that can be solved, but it can be alleviated. The first step toward a solution is heightened awareness and education about poverty. "ith a better understanding of what poverty entails, steps can be taken to begin working upon the root of the problem rather than merely the results of a more underlying issue. But upon gaining this awareness, there is the understanding that action must follow. "hether its serving in one of "acos organi&ations to serve the homeless or simply sharing a meal with that family down the street, there is something for each of us to do. 2nd moreover, there is something that each of us have to do. Because with knowledge, comes responsibility.

According to statistics released by Mission Waco for 2012