January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month. This awareness is important because it brings to light the number of people who are living in severe conditions because of poverty. Recognizing poverty creates empathy in those who have been unaware of poor living conditions. It encourages others to join in on helping those in need.

Poverty is caused by multiple reasons, such as unemployment, lack of healthcare, inflation and so on.

When many people think of poverty, African and Asian nations come to mind because of their inaccessibility to healthcare, food, water and shelter. While education is important to struggling countries, many people choose food over being able to read. This is why the definition of poverty differs from continent to continent.

The United States is a developed nation and one of the greatest countries in the world, but there are still thousands of people who are deprived of three meals a day, quality education and even clean and healthy drinking water. In fact, some Americans can’t even afford warm clothes during winter or pay for medication.

In 2020, over 37 million people in America lived in poverty.

So how can we end poverty?

1. Donate and encourage donations: Whether it is money, food, blankets or clothes, people need to be encouraged to give whatever they can. Highlighting the exact figures of poverty and the number of children who are deprived of food and shelter encourages people to donate.
2. Spread awareness: Share knowledge regarding the poverty rate so people can start helping those in need. Stress calls for action in terms of donations, charity events and public policies that might eliminate poverty in the country.

In our community, many clubs, churches, organizations and individuals assist people in need.

The Franklin County Education Retirees Association donates to the State Food Bank and North Alabama Food Bank. The group also donates to the Coalition for the Homeless, and members contribute items to create homeless survival backpacks.

GFWC Book Lovers Study Club and Cultura Garden Club women donate year-round in various ways to the needs of the FAME Girls Ranch, Safeplace, DHR, schools, the homeless, Christmas toys for children and other worthwhile projects.

Many churches provide food pantries, and help with special needs and counseling for families and individuals who need assistance in our community.

We might not eradicate poverty, but we can help in improving the living conditions of hundreds of people. All you have to do is acknowledge the problem and devise ways to fix it.