9781422275474

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

food security: having reliable access to a steady source of nutritious food pro bono: legal work done at no charge for a client with a low income

psychotherapy: the treatment of a mental disorder or illness through personal interaction, rather than with prescription medications only

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Helping Those in Poverty: Why It’s Needed WHAT IS POVERTY? According to the 2016 U.S. Census poverty report, over 12 percent of Americans live in poverty. In 2018, the U.S. government defined poverty as a household income of less than $20,780 for a family of three. This means that over 43 million citizens in the United States struggle to meet their basic needs with their income. At this level, most families find it very difficult to provide sufficient food, clothing, and other basic household needs. Many government and nonprofit organizations exist in the United States, all of which have the goal of lowering the number of people who live in poverty. The work is ongoing because there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for those in poverty. Some inhabitants find themselves struggling financially throughout their entire lives; others fall on hard times due to family

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