Poverty in America

DEMOS recently released an eye-opening report titled "Tracking American Poverty & Policy" which highlights the level of poverty in our country. Some startling stats include:

• In 2010, 46.1 million Americans lived in poverty; 75.9 million are in or near poverty and live on less than $26,100 a year for a family of 3; 
• 20.5 million people live in deep poverty, less than $8,700 for a family of 3;
• The largest age group of those living in poverty: Children, age 0-5;
• The largest family structure of those living in poverty: Single female-headed households with children.  

Be sure to read the full report here. 

These statistics seem almost unreal, but here at Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County we know them to be real as we see the face of poverty in our own community. During our recent homeowner application process we talked and met with many many families with total family incomes that fit within these markers.  We met families with children who struggle everyday to make ends meet on very small incomes.

The high costs of rent and traditional mortgages mean that many families are forced to spend a huge percentage of their incomes on housing. Here at Habitat we are committed to working with our partner families and ensuring that they are not paying more than 35% total on housing expenses. To learn more about our work, please visit: www.sbhabitat.org.

photo credit: Kim MacDonald, Habitat for Humanity International

Poverty in Santa Barbara?

We are often asked where the poverty lies in Santa Barbara. Many visit our beautiful town nestled between the Pacific ocean and mountains and can't fathom that poverty exists here. Unfortunately the pockets of poverty are often well-hidden in Santa Barbara, and the increase in poverty is on the rise  and can be felt personally by 17.7% of the population.

According to Slate Magazine's recent piece How Hard is Poverty Hitting Your County, poverty in Santa Barbara County has increased 5.5% from 2007 to 2010. This is the 4th largest increase in poverty in the state of California.

Poverty is defined as having an income less than $22,113 for a family of four. 15.1 percent of Americans live below that line, and 17.7% of Santa Barbara County live below the poverty line. 

We encourage you to check out the full piece and interactive map at Slate.com.

What are your thoughts? Were you surprised to learn that the poverty rate has increased 5.5% in Santa Barbara County?