Ten of the nation's largest humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups are coming together to fight the War on Poverty. Catholic Charities USA, Feeding America, Save the Children, The Salvation Army, National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Alliance for Children Families, Lutheran Services in America and United Way, are all working together in 2014 to educate, innovate and act to reduce poverty in communities across the country
Driving this fight, is selfless love and belief in human dignity and grace from the least to the greatest.
Following guiding principles set forth by CCUSA, each of these organizations has signed a commitment to set up poverty reduction strategies and actively work together through round table discussions and outreach to give a hand up to those in need.
EDUCATE the public about the everyday challenges facing the more than 46 million people living in poverty in America today;
- EDUCATE the public about the everyday challenges facing the more than 46 million people living in poverty in America today
- Highlight INNOVATIVE solutions to poverty by connecting local practitioners with national leaders; and
- ACT to reduce poverty in communities across the country using newfound knowledge and techniques.
Poverty is often something people assume is the fault of the impoverished. The homeless are looked on a nuisance instead of human beings. Many cite 'poor are poor because they are lazy and don't want to work.' There are many preconceptions about poverty in America. The more I research and actively interact with the subject, my preconceptions collapse and I am moved by love for fellow humans, selflessly understanding their plight is everyone's burden, because it is a systemic problem from humanity's brokenness, greed, corruption and a nationwide call to work together to address the core issues of poverty.
Many homeless are mentally ill. A lady I came to know in Nashville TN (she lived on a park bench outside of my office at the time on Music Row), was a vibrant personality, kind and compassionate. She suffered from Schizophrenia and the majority of her disability paycheck (around $800) went to her drugs. She tried to work, but without an address and regular access to a shower it made it hard. Many cursed and spat on her. She applied for jobs every day and always paid for her food. She could not get access to housing and mental hospitals could not provide a bed for her.
This is a story I encounter time and time again. These are victims of mental illness, and the most vulnerable, yet society discards them and mocks their personal dignity. We need to stand up collectively for human rights. Increase mental health access and beds for those suffering from mental conditions that prevent their working in the traditional workforce. Transition programs that address their issues and work to give them a hand up.
It is easy to consider transients who have alcohol and dependency issues as vagrants who deserve to rot in the gutter they created. In truth drugs and alcohol are severe illnesses that need medical attention, because they can no longer dig themselves out of that hole. They need a hand-up to help get their lives back on track.
There is also dark aspect of trafficking, which also is intertwined with poverty. At Belmont University, Student Human Rights Council hosted a seminar on End Slavery TN, which focused on slavery in the US, the most widespread, human trafficking. Young girls and women, particularly those in vulnerable situations and struggling with poverty are forced into trafficking. They are doped up against their will, becoming dependent on handlers and unable to get out of that vicious cycle of abuse and degradation. They need our help and our voice to get them out of this situation.
Since 2008, The Great Recession forced millions of Americans into desperate financial circumstances, people who are well-educated and have always worked, suddenly facing poverty. I know the year I graduated from college the job market in Nashville dropped so dramatically, even with a top degree in my field and experience I was lucky to get a job as a cashier, let alone an office job. The effects of the recession are still being felt. Getting out of poverty is a difficult issue affecting all classes, races and people. It is America's problem and something together we can fix, by demanding corporate responsibility, working to buy-American, petition our government officials and most important get involved.
Each of the organizations partaking in this initiative to End Poverty in America provide critical services to our communities. They put names behind the face of homelessness.
Ways to get involved:
Donate:
Money - even small donations to non-profits focusing on Ending Poverty can go along way. When you shop at the Salvation Army stores you end up buying items you can use while creating jobs and supporting their mission.
Time: Time - donate your time to help non-profits committed to stamping out poverty. Volunteering is the gift that keeps giving back.
Catholic Charities: http://catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty-in-america/
Feeding America: http://www.feedingamerica.org
Save the Children: http://www.savethechildren.org
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.org
National Alliance to End Homelessness: http://www.endhomelessness.org
Alliance for Children and Families: http://www.alliance1.org
Lutheran Services in America: http://www.lutheranservices.org
United Way: http://www.unitedway.org
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