9 Ways to Combat Poverty During Poverty in America Awareness Month- and All Year Long

Did you know that roughly 37 million people were living in poverty in 2020? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that’s 11.4% of Americans. The most well-known aspects of poverty are the lack of food or shelter. But it can also involve the scarcity of other necessities such as healthcare, childcare, transportation, utilities and more.

If you’re shocked by the number, you aren’t alone. January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to find ways to acknowledge and help fight poverty in the United States. Here are nine ways you can make a difference.

Involve Your Family

Your individual efforts can go a long way toward fighting poverty. Teaching your family about this serious issue and spurring them to action has an even more powerful effect. Find some online resources, read up on poverty in the United States, start conversations with your family, and encourage them to join you in your poverty-fighting endeavors.

Start in Your Neighborhood

Is there someone in your neighborhood living in poverty? With the recent pandemic, people have lost jobs and may be struggling without an income. Lend a helping hand either by taking them groceries, doing repair work around their house, or filling their vehicles with gas. Do as much as you are able to show them that someone cares, and they’re not alone.

Plan a Fundraiser

If you like to organize events, why not set up a food drive or a walk to end poverty? Pick a date, plan the logistics, talk to some corporate sponsors, and get your family and friends to help. This gets your community involved and provides a platform to raise awareness about the issue. Donate what you raise to the local food bank or other worthy cause.

Forgo Birthday/Anniversary Gifts

Instead of expensive gifts this year, commit to having friends and family give you canned food or gift cards to grocery stores and gas stations. You can then take them to a local charity. This will assist those who need it more than you needed that new pair of shoes, expensive dinner out, or golf club.

Leverage the Message on Your Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool to help raise awareness. Use it to make people aware of the poverty issue in America. Even if you don’t have 1,000 connections, you can still reach hundreds of people with your posts. Share statistics about poverty, links to nonprofit websites fighting poverty, and articles delving into poverty’s causes. You may just inspire someone else to take action alongside you!

Donate to a Poverty-Fighting Charity

There are many wonderful charities that assist people who are trying to pull themselves out of poverty. Whether it be lack of food, healthcare, childcare, transportation, utilities and more, there are endless struggles that people living in poverty face daily. Make a donation, or better yet, set up a monthly donation the charity can consistently count on. Sign up for the charity’s newsletters to stay abreast of its efforts, successes, and other chances to help.

Contribute to Education

Getting an education is one of the best ways for people to combat poverty. Send money to a scholarship fund or a nonprofit that helps students buy books and other supplies. If you possess the resources, start one of your own!

Volunteer Your Time to a Cause

Your money’s helpful, but your time is priceless in the fight against poverty. Volunteer at your local food bank, free medical clinic, homeless shelter, or family crisis center. Look for ways to use your individual talent to help keep someone from falling into poverty, or to help them rise out of it.

Follow Through All Year Long

Yes, January is the designated month for poverty awareness, but your efforts shouldn’t end when February rolls around. You can fit fighting poverty into your lifestyle. Keep the issue on your radar and continue talking about it, volunteering, and donating in ways that shed light on and help reduce the problem.

National Poverty in America Awareness Month can serve as an eye-opener for Americans who think this issue is primarily a problem in other countries. Instead of a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, why not make one to fight poverty in your city or state? By embracing and acting on a few of these ideas, you can be a catalyst for change. Start being part of the solution today!