What is poverty? There are many ways of measuring and categorizing poverty — and no simple, unified definition.
The United Nations observes that, worldwide, “frequently, poverty is defined in either relative or absolute terms. Absolute poverty measures poverty in relation to the amount of money necessary to meet basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Relative poverty defines poverty in relation to the economic status of other members of the society: people are poor if they fall below prevailing standards of living in a given societal context.”
Here in the United States, for example, the Census Bureau defines poverty based on income, family size and age of the family members. For instance, a family of four with two children would need to have an income of more than 24,008 a year to be considered above the poverty threshold.
But in its work to reduce poverty worldwide, the UN seeks to go beyond such traditional definitions of poverty, which are solely based on income and consumption, and strives to include broader social, political and cultural definitions. “The multidimensional nature of poverty — in particular social aspects such as housing poor, health poor or time poor — needs to be understood in order to create more effective programs for poverty alleviation,” says the UN.
LAKURI, NEPAL (4/25/15)-Chandra Maya Pariyar, 30, holds her daughter, Diya Kumari Pariyar, 18 months. They live in a Habitat home that was built as part of Everest Build I, in 2010. © Habitat for Humanity International/Ezra Millstein
So, what then does the reach and impact of poverty look like?
The World Health Organization says those living in poor conditions “are exposed to greater personal and environmental health risks, are less well-nourished, have less information and are less able to access health care; thus they have a higher risk of illness and disability.”
In many locations, the effects of all of this are plain to see. Disease, despair and lack of opportunity are the calling cards. But in others, it can sometimes be necessary to look a little closer. In communities all around the world, families are too often forced to decide between paying bills or buying food. And just because a family has a roof over their heads, that doesn’t mean it’s a decent, safe, healthy or affordable place for them to live.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI(4/27/2014)Chloe Short, 5 years old. The Short family moved into a FEMA trailer until partnering with Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity to build their own four-bedroom home in 2011. Habitat revisits families helped in the aftermath of an EF-5 tornado on May 22, 2011. ©Habitat for Humanity International/Ezra Millstein
Two startling statistics: Around the world, about one in four people live in conditions that harm their health, safety, prosperity and opportunities. In the U.S., the Department of Housing and Urban Development says “a family with one full-time worker earning the minimum wage cannot afford the local fair-market rent for a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the United States.”
Habitat believes that new and improved homes are intricately tied to better opportunities for families. Children have quiet places to study. Families no longer face illnesses and disease brought on by unhealthy housing. Parents experience the financial freedom that comes from having an affordable place to live.
Habitat for Humanity knows that a decent, affordable place to live can create a situation where homeowners save more, invest in education, pursue opportunity and have more financial stability.
Living in a decent, affordable home they’ve helped build or improve means a homeowner is better positioned to have a healthier, more financially stable life, one with fewer barriers to health, safety and opportunity.
Tammie is just one example of how a life can be transformed by affordable housing. The mother of three struggled for years with constant moves, unsafe neighborhoods, unhealthy living conditions and too-high housing costs. But the process of partnering with Habitat enabled her to get out of debt and gain access to an affordable mortgage on a home she helped build.
“Because of this house,” she says, “my kids have been able to go to school, I’ve been able to move on in my education, and I’ve been able to move on in my career. I am so thankful.”
Here in the Verde Valley we face many of these issues as well. Verde Valley Habitat For Humanity is working hard to help low-income families with affordable homeownership and make critical home repairs for veterans, seniors and low-income families, to help keep them in their homes. These are large tasks and we need the help of our community to accomplish this important mission. Please visit www.dawnc20.sg-host.com to volunteer or Donate.
Lend a helping hand and be part of the solution today!
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