January is National Poverty Awareness Month. Below are just a few statistics regarding poverty in the in the United States collected in 2016. In order to raise awareness, consider posting to social media using the hashtag #endpoverty
- The federal poverty line is $11,892 for an individual and $23,836 for a family of four.
- The official poverty rate is 14.5%, meaning 45.3 million people in the US live in poverty. This is up by over 8 million since 2008.
- More than 1 in 5 children in America are living under the official poverty line. Half of all children will be on food stamps before they turn 20, including 9 out of 10 African American children.
- Only 48% of people could handle a $400 emergency expense without selling something or borrowing money.
- For every 4 unemployed people, there is 1 job available. 1 in 3 veterans ages 18-24 are unemployed.
- 51% of pre-k through 12th grade public school students in 2015 were eligible for free or reduced lunches.
- The home foreclosure rate in 2009 was over 10,000 per day.
- A record 14 million (1 in 9) US homes are vacant, yes 3.5 million people experience homelessness each year and 39% of them are children.
(shared by the Diversity Committee, Department of Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services)