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Why We Care

Poverty is a issue which effects everyone in society; directly and indirectly. Its associated results (poor-health, poor education, violence, crime and trauma) hinder urban communities and weakens a nations economic growth. Helping impoverished neighborhoods become safer, cleaner, and united means helping a nation grow stronger. 

01

Poverty

  • ​According to the U.S Census Bureau, 46.5 million Americans are impoverished.

  • Children (under age 18) since 2011, continue to be most affected by poverty at 21.8 percent.

  • Research suggests a link between socioeconomic status and health; which explains the risk of illness increasing when income decreases.

  • Risks factors associated to poverty are inadequate health care, poor sanitation, exposure to mental pollutants and poor health habits.

 

Education

  • Low-Income communities exhibit higher unemployment percentages and lower levels of education compared to higher SES communities.

  • In 2009, individuals within the age range of 18 to 49 with high-school diplomas earned approximately $8,000 more than those without.

  • On average, earn wages increases as educational attainment increases substantially. Due to today’s current economic state, education is essential to earning adequate living wages.

 

 

 

02

Crime 

  • statistics of poverty are consistent with the growing percentages of crime.

  • According to the social disorganization theory, crime is directly linked to a neighborhood’s ecological characteristics; therefore one’s residential location shapes the likelihood of a person becoming involved in illegal activity. 

  • Criminal acts concerning violence and property are increasingly involving children 12 and older.

  • The ratio for violent crimes (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault) have grown from 22.6 to 26.1 victims per 1,000 since 2011. 

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03

*All statistical data is derived from the U.S Census Bureau and Bureau of Justice Statistics. 

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