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Poverty
Book Ladies: Heroic Librarians Delivering Books on Horseback
Female librarians on horseback delivered books to remote cabins in the mountains of Appalachia during the Depression. Through rugged terrain and harsh weather, they helped fight illiteracy as part of the Pack Horse Library Project.
A Visit to Skid Row
Skid Row. Elevation 2008. Population: Too many. You may have heard of this place. You may have been here. You may even be a former resident. Or perhaps you arrived here because you Googled a hair band from the '80s.
7 Reasons Why Universal Basic Income is Gaining Momentum
The idea of giving people a guaranteed paycheck is once again gaining momentum. Universal basic income is a concept that has been entertained by almost every government in modern history, and we might be heading to an inevitable future where cash handouts are the norm.
The Origin of Financial Inequality
For almost all of human history, all people enjoyed an equal share of resources; then inequality emerged to take a permanent place in society.
On the Streets of Bakersfield : Days at the Park
Many of the homeless in Bakersfield have sought refuge in the public parks. They provide a place with access to benches and shade, and even grills to cook food. Often there is access to water for hygiene or thirst. The parks represent a place where people can gather and feel safe.
Who Wins? Exploring Success and Failure in American Society
Poverty cycles, discrimination, social privilege, and other social controversies come to light when examining the social structure of life in the United States. Rather than considering these as random occurrences, we can identify them as systematic shortcomings fueled by an imperfect culture.
A Guide to Homelessness
What daily concerns do homeless people face? Homelessness can happen to anyone, so it’s best to be prepared by knowing some survival skills.
Swift's "A Modest Proposal": A Protest Against Penal Laws
Jonathan Swift’s satirical essay "A Modest Proposal" serves to demonstrate how Ireland’s poverty under England’s penal law system has forced many Irish people to accept and commit otherwise repulsive feats in order to survive. It serves as a satirical critique of the system.
What to Say and Not Say to a Homeless Family
Being homeless is hard enough without the extra unneeded questions. Here are some things you should avoid saying.
To Give or Not to Give Money
Do you struggle to determine whether or not you should give money to homeless people? I did until I had this experience.
A New Model for Helping the Homeless: Tent City West
Residents of Tent City West have developed a sense of community while running their own temporary housing system inside a West Baltimore school building.
Leah Denbok's Book About Homelessness Offers Art and Hope (Not Entertainment)
Why would the CBC put an article about a book on homelessness in its Entertainment section?
5 Ways You Can Help the Homeless in Your Community
Have you ever had an encounter with a homeless person and wanted to do more to help? Here are a few things that you can do throughout the year to make a difference.
Is Poverty Alleviation a Corporate Social Responsibility Issue?
The article discusses the possibilities for implementing cooperative initiatives as a means of transforming oppressive communities, thereby creating poverty-free societies.
There’s More to Minimum Wage Jobs Than Wages
The problem isn’t that the minimum wage is back in the news since it’s always in the news; it’s that too many people confuse a minimum wage with a “living wage.”
6 Solutions to Poverty in America
Many are in poverty because of their own choices. However, a handout is not the solution. It only treats the symptom, not the root cause. So, what is the solution?
Help for the Homeless: Causes, Realities, and Three Poems
What do we do when they fill up the streets, longing their eyes, and begging for change? When will we recognize the need to help our homeless brothers and sisters?
Surviving the Trauma of Homelessness & Having the Strength to Begin Again.
It is the belief of the average working person, that one can never possibly become homeless, that it can be avoided at all costs... well not necessarily so, even the well prepared, life does happen...
How to End Poverty in Vietnam
Despite miraculous economic achievements, poverty still remains prevalent in Vietnam. This article summarizes the current situation and recommends some strategies to reduce poverty in the country.
McRefugee: The Homeless People of Hong Kong
More and more homeless people have begun to appear on the streets of Hong Kong, with many seeking shelter in fast food restaurants like MacDonald's. Read on to find out more.
Now Is the Time for Universal Basic Income
Guaranteed basic income for all is not a utopian fantasy anymore; it's become a logical progression of late-stage capitalism. The idea has been around since Thomas Paine and the American Revolution, and it's an idea endorsed by economists and philosophers on both sides of the policial spectrum.
How to Tell if Someone Might Be Homeless
How can you tell if someone is homeless? There's no sure way but there are a lot of clues that may add up to homelessness when taken together. Knowing them can keep people living on the street safer.
Homeless Periods: A Problem of Poverty, Dignity, and Personal Hygiene
Menstruating isn't considered fun by anyone, but having your period while being homeless sucks in its own special way. Learn how you can help people dealing with both homelessness and menstruation.
Examining Dave Ramsey's Advice to Eat Rice and Beans for a Year
Dave Ramsey's simple plan to save money and pay down debt contributes to the tension between the "haves" and food assistance recipients.
Helping People by Helping Them
Recent attitudes in society are leaning more to helping others by doing nothing. While in a few situations this is an effective method, this article touts the superiority of actually helping people.
A Rough Draft Model of Self-Sustaining Homeless Shelters
I have had an idea for homeless veterans and families for quite a while. This is a basic rough draft idea for these shelters that are fully self-sustaining, green temporary homes.
Who Are the Homeless People of America?
Learn who the homeless people in this country are and how much our public assistance programs cost. The truth may surprise you.
8 Reasons Why India Is so Poor
There are several deep-rooted causes of Indian poverty. Some have historical roots and others derive strength from socio-political structures. Lack of effective governance and corruption has only sustained Indian poverty.
Poverty Kills More People Every Year in the U.S. Than Heart Disease or Cancer
Poverty kills more people every year than any other cause and contributes to even more deaths. Why doesn't anybody care?
Five Easy Steps to Avoid Homelessness
I work alongside the homeless and know many of them by name. Most are calloused by the hardships of life and people's indifference, but they are all very much alive, and are here to stay.
Social Problems: Homelessness in the United States
A look at a growing problem in the United States and elsewhere. The homeless are a part of the fabric of this nation and yet what to do about it?
13 Poor Life Choices That May Lead to Homelessness
Many claim homelessness is caused by one thing: making stupid, destructive, and completely avoidable choices. This article examines and debunks some of those "poor choices." Have you ever made any of them?
How to Use Your EDD Debit Card to Piss Off Bank of America
Every time you swipe your EDD debit card, you are giving Bank of America money. Don't allow this predatory corporate bank to capitalize on your misfortune. This guide will show you how to stop letting them profit off of your unemployment benefits.
Why Poverty Is Not About Lack of Income
Poverty is not an income issue—it is a human development issue. It is a state of multiple deprivations resulting from several factors including social and political, not merely lack of income.
Peter Singer’s Views on Our Obligations to the Destitute and Poor
A look at Peter Singer's 1971 classic essay, "Famine, Affluence and Morality," as well as criticism by John Arthur and Garrett Hardin.
Why Hawaii Is the Best State to Be Homeless
Quality of life for the homeless population varies from state to state. Here is the best state that I found to be homeless in.
Why Do People Fear and Hate the Homeless?
Some of my opinions as to why so many people in America seem to have no empathy for homeless people despite being mere paychecks away from the circumstance themselves.
Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Homeless People
Learn some of the most common stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions about homeless people in America. Weigh in with your opinions in the comments.
Sweatshop Company Accountability
As companies seek to cut costs, they go to places where there are few or no regulations so they can pay labor as little as possible. Out of this emerges sweatshops where working conditions are brutal, with people working 15 hours a day, seven days a week and make about 40 dollars US per month.
Why Don't Homeless People Just Get Jobs?
Have you wondered why people living on the street don't just get jobs and stop being homeless? Learn about homeless employment statistics, the barriers to employment they must overcome, and share your solutions in the comments.
Waianae Ghetto: Is It Safe on the West Side of Oahu, Hawaii?
The economic hardships—unemployment, substandard housing, homelessness, and inferior education—can be devastating to Paradise.
The Homelessness Problem: 6 Causes and Possible Solutions
So many of the homeless are veterans, children, elders, and disabled people. Here are six ideas to help end homelessness.
Why Don't Homeless People Use Shelters?
Why do homeless people seem to avoid using emergency housing shelters? Here are some of the reasons.
Some Reasons People Become Homeless
Have you ever wondered why people become homeless? This article explains just a few of the most common causes of home loss for people living in the United States. Some of them may surprise you.
What to Buy If You Are Homeless
If you're homeless and trying to figure out how to spend a small amount of money to best effect, this list may help. It has also proven useful to charities creating care packages for homeless people.