The Journey

As I began my senior project I was aware that poverty was an issue not just in America but in our area.  After completing my project I can confidently say to what extent poverty is impacting those around us. Poverty, especially after the recession of 2008, is a problem that society should be more concerned with. "Between 2007 and 2009 the number of people below the poverty level jumped by 4.9 million". This statistic alone demonstrates the vast impact the recession had and as Jesse Carswell analyzes " There was a drastic increase in the need for public assistance, public and non-profit, a significant increase in unemployment and a higher number of families and individuals identifiable as poor in Burke County."  Many people perceive those in poverty to be job-less and homeless.  The working poor make up a substantial percentage of those in poverty, especially after the recession. "Due to the major loss of job cuts and layoffs, companies tended to layoff the jobs at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder that are typically held by the working poor" says Jesse Carswell. Along with the working poor seeing great effects so did single-parent households. The impacts many families faced such as layoffs or cut hours had double the impact on single-parent households as a layoff of one job would result in no income. Even years later those in poverty are still seeing the long-term effects of The Recession and are still trying to overcome those obstacles.

So what is being done? In our area I have learned the powerful impact The Meeting Place Mission has had on ending poverty and homelessness. I saw firsthand how they don't just give those in need a place to stay and a warm meal, they enable those in need for a better future by providing them with resources necessary to transition out of poverty and live a stable life. At the Burke Women and Children's Shelter, I saw how although a warm bed and meal was provided, the access to a computer for job hunting and applications as well as helping them find affordable housing and free clinics were just as beneficial to those in need of a helping hand. Through volunteering at the Burke Women and Children's Shelter, I had the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to keep this shelter running and meet the women who benefited from this shelter. I loved having the chance to work with Natalie, and I saw how she connects with each person who walks through the door and how her encouraging words comfort all.

Throughout this journey I have learned that poverty is a growing issue in our society, especially since the recession of 2008. And awareness needs to be brought to this topic so people can see what is being done in our area and what they can do to help. Through The Meeting Place Mission I saw poverty in our community firsthand and I hope through this blog, I brought awareness to the great work they are doing and how you can help as well!


 http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2010/10/07-suburban-poverty-acs-kneebone