2019 World Day of the Poor

"Before all else, the poor need God and his love, made visible by “the saints next door”, people who by the simplicity of their lives express clearly the power of Christian love."
- Pope Francis, Third World Day of the Poor
National Poverty Facts
What Poverty Looks Like in the United States
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2018, out of the more than 327.1 million people, 38.1 million people lived in poverty in the United States. That means the poverty rate for 2018 was 11.8%. This number is determined by the federal government’s official poverty threshold, which in 2018 for a family of four is about $25,285. In 2018, the median income for family households was $63,179.
Source: The U.S. Census Bureau: Income and Poverty in the United States 2018; U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2018-2019 Annual Social and Economic Supplements
Source: The U.S. Census Bureau: Income and Poverty in the United States 2018; U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2018-2019 Annual Social and Economic Supplements
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2019 Annual Social and Economic Supplement
Source: Household Food Security in the United States in 2018, ERR-270, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service
Source: National Alliance to End Homelessness
You Can Help Make a Difference
ADVOCATE
Catholic Charities USA monitors over 200 federal programs impacting millions of people who are poor and vulnerable. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Charities USA weighs in on the most critical issues including: Immigration and Refugee issues, Healthcare Reform, the Farm Bill and Federal Social Safety Net programs.
Promote Awareness
Host a Poverty Simulation
One way to bring about awareness of poverty is to conduct a Poverty Simulation in your parish, school or community.
Learn more about how to host a poverty simulation
Share on Social Media
Use the resources below in social media posts to educate your network about poverty in the United States and how they can help.
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