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What does poverty really look like?

Writer's picture: J.  WilsonJ. Wilson

We have traditional thoughts and impressions for many of us, such as the beggar on the corner with a sign and a cup just trying to find something to eat. We have the images of gaggles of tents or cardboard huts, making little mini communities in the trees or under overpasses. These impressions are accurate; however, they are not even close to complete.I have a friend that lives in San Francisco that asked me a question very similar to the one above. I had to be thoughtful about how it was answered because the circumstances and situations are so drastically different here than the inner city look; however, the needs are not different for those individuals in either place. I tried to explain it to my friend this way. I indicated to him that the beggar on the corner or the tent communities and cardboard communities etc. that may be more in the forefront where he was are not the primary things that are seen here.


The Suburban Look of Poverty

Poverty in suburban areas looks like families with two parents, working full-time jobs and still unable to make ends meet. It looks like individuals and families living in garages, storage units, and in the back of cars, because they cannot afford rent. It looks like individuals and families living in the same house with multiple generations, all trying to survive, but not having enough. It looks like houses with multiple families, all trying to make a living, but not having enough to make it through the month. It looks like parents having to choose between buying food or paying the electric bill. It looks like families who cannot afford basic necessities such as clothing, toiletries, and diapers.


The Urban Look of Poverty

In urban areas, poverty looks like individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet in one of the most expensive cities in the world. It looks like people who are barely making enough money to stay alive, let alone save for the future. It looks like individuals and families living in overcrowded apartments, unable to afford their own place. It looks like people who can’t even afford to buy groceries, much less pay for health care. It looks like individuals and families living on the streets, in shelters, or in the parks. It looks like people who are struggling to survive day to day and have no hope for the future.


The Rural Look of Poverty

In rural areas, poverty looks like individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet in communities where there are few jobs and a lack of resources. It looks like individuals and families living in trailers or old, rundown homes, unable to afford better housing. It looks like people who can’t afford basic necessities such as clothing, food, and health care. It looks like individuals and families living in poverty and struggling to survive, but with no hope for the future.


The Impact of Poverty

The impact of poverty can be seen everywhere, from the inner cities to the suburbs and from the urban areas to the rural areas. It is a problem that affects all of us, whether we are the ones living in poverty or those of us who are trying to help. It is a problem that needs to be addressed and solutions must be found. We must do our part to help those who are struggling, so that they can have hope for the future.


Conclusion

Poverty looks different in every area, but it is a problem that affects us all. We must come together to find solutions that can help those who are in need and give them hope for the future. It starts with us, and if we all do our part, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling.



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