Introduction

  Poverty is one of the most important and pressing social problems in the United States. Despite the fact that the U.S. is one of the richest countries in the world, a significant portion of its citizens live in conditions that can be described as poverty. In 2023, this problem remains inextricably linked to many other social, economic and political challenges. This article provides an update on poverty in the US, examining various aspects of the problem.

   Definition of Poverty

  Before we move on to analyze the data, it is important to understand what poverty is by U.S. standards. The Federal Poverty Line (FPL) is set by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is used to determine who qualifies for various support programs. In 2023, the poverty line for a family of four is about $26,500 in annual income.

   Scale of the Problem

  The 2023 figures show that about 11.4% of the U.S. population, or about 37 million people, live below the poverty line. While this is a decrease from earlier years, the number is still alarmingly high.

   Demographic Aspects of Poverty

  Poverty in the U.S. is not evenly distributed and affects different social groups to varying degrees.

   1.Age.
    - Children: Children are the most vulnerable group. About 16% of children in the US live below the poverty line. This phenomenon has long-term consequences, affecting the education, health and future career opportunities of these children.
    - Seniors: Seniors are also vulnerable, although to a lesser extent than children. About 9% of seniors (65+) live in poverty.

   2.Race and Ethnicity.
    - Afro-Americans: About 20% of African-Americans live below the poverty line, which is nearly twice the national average.
    - Latinos: Among Hispanics, the rate is about 18%.
    - Whites (non-Latinos): Among this group, about 9% live in poverty.
    - Asians: About 10% of Asians in the US experience poverty.

   3. Gender.
    - Women: Women are more likely to experience poverty than men. About 12.6% of women live below the poverty line, compared to 10.1% of men.

   Geographic Distribution of Poverty

  Poverty is not evenly distributed across the country. The states with the highest poverty rates are Mississippi, New Mexico and Louisiana, where the poverty rate exceeds 18%. In contrast, states such as New Hampshire, Utah and Maryland have the lowest poverty rates, at around 8-9%.

   Causes of Poverty

   A variety of factors contribute to the presence and extent of poverty in the US. Here are some of the key causes:

   1. Low Wages.
     - Many people work in low-paying jobs that do not provide enough to live on, despite working full time.

   2.  Lack of Access to Health Care.
     - Health care costs are high, and lack of health insurance can lead to financial ruin in cases of serious illness.

   3.  Educational Inequality.
    - People with lower levels of education are more likely to be poor.

   4. Unemployment and Underemployment.
     - Although the unemployment rate is low, many people are working part-time or in jobs below their qualifications.

   Effects of Poverty

  Poverty has far-reaching effects that affect various aspects of people's lives. Here are some of the most important ones:

   1. Physical and Mental Health.
    - People living in poverty have poorer health, higher rates of chronic diseases and shorter life expectancy.

   2. Education.
    - Children from low-income families are less likely to finish school and pursue higher education.

   3. Homelessness.
    - Lack of stable income increases the risk of homelessness. By 2023, approximately 580,000 people in the US will experience homelessness.

   4. Crime.
   - High levels of poverty are often correlated with higher rates of crime, including violent crime.

   Government Assistance Programs

   The U.S. government has implemented a number of programs to support people living in poverty. Here are some of the most important:

   1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
    - Provides food assistance to millions of Americans.

   2. Medicaid.
    - Offers health insurance for low-income individuals.

   3. Section 8 Housing.
    - Subsidized rental housing for low-income people.

   4. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
    - Tax incentive for low-income working people.

   Social Initiatives and Non-Profit Organizations

  Non-profit organizations and community initiatives also play an important role in the fight against poverty. Organizations such as Feeding America, United Way and Habitat for Humanity offer various forms of support, from food assistance to education to housing support.

   Look to the Future

  The problems of poverty in the US are complex and require a multifaceted approach. In 2023, key challenges include:

   1. Inflation and Cost of Living.
     - The rising cost of living, particularly in housing and health care, is a significant challenge for low-income people.

   2.Technology and Automation.
    - Automation and technological developments may reduce the number of available jobs in low-skilled sectors.

   3. Climate Change.
    - Climate change and related natural disasters may further exacerbate economic inequality, especially in the most vulnerable regions.

   Summary

   The current U.S. poverty figures for 2023 show that despite some progress, many challenges remain. Poverty remains a complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach and the involvement of both government and civil society. Understanding the scale and causes of poverty is key to developing effective strategies to combat the problem and ensure that every citizen has a chance to live in dignity.

  Poverty in America is not just about statistics and numbers, but more importantly about human stories and experiences. As the country faces new challenges, fighting poverty remains one of the most important tasks to build a more just and equitable society.