Poverty and Education: A Vicious Cycle

It’s commonly noted that “Knowledge is Power”, however, the converse implication of that statement isn’t widely advertised.  A lack of education can affect more than just the individual; it can affect a whole community.

Give a thought to the facts behind poverty.  The poverty line in America is $21,834.  The estimate for a family of four to live on a basic needs budget is $35,000.  With such a large gap between survival and poverty, it’s no surprise that many families live paycheck to paycheck.  With families struggling to afford basic essentials, education related materials are many times put on a back burner.

Schools are the unintended victims of poverty.  Schools are tied to property taxes, and as a result, education systems in less-fortunate areas receive less funding than their affluent-neighborhood counterparts.  Astoundingly, three quarters of America’s schools report needing repairs or renovations.  It comes as no surprise that schools in poor condition are located in areas where 70% of the population falls below the poverty line.  With schools unable to keep up with repairs, the education quality of the students is sub-par, leading to higher dropout rates, higher crime, and higher unemployment.

Education challenges are not just limited to school hours or building repairs.  While our school systems struggle to impart a valuable education experience, our own families strain to afford basic education supplies.  Many students get no educational enrichment at home because of financial limitations or educational barriers.  Parents that have attended schools with these hindrances may struggle to understand their children’s homework, and find themselves frustrated and unable to help their children study or complete schoolwork.  Tutoring or special education assistance is completely out of the question due to rising costs and the lack of affordable/free education resources.  This leaves 1 out of four students -and 40% of minorities- dropping out of high school.  Children of poor families are six times more likely to drop out than children of families above the poverty line.

 The NAEHCY says “According to the most recent federal data, 1,065,794 homeless students were enrolled by U.S. preschools and K-12 schools in the 2010-2011 school year. This is the highest number on record, and a 13 percent increase over the 2009-2010 school year. The number of homeless children enrolled in public schools has increased 57 percent since the beginning of the recession (2006-2007 school year).

It is important to note that this number is not an estimate of the prevalence of child and youth homelessness; in fact, it is an underestimate, because not all school districts reported data to the U.S. Department of Education, and because the data collected represents only those children identified and enrolled in school. Finally, the number does not include all preschool-age children, or any infants and toddlers.”

With these staggering statistics, how can homeless and underprivileged families find resources to foster literacy and education?  Thankfully, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the McKinney-Vento Act offer some safeguard to ensure an education is possible.  The Act, in short, ensures that students who are homeless can remain in school, even if their temporary living situation is in another area.  Schools MUST provide transportation.  Children who are homeless can enroll and begin attending school immediately, even if they cannot provide the documents normally required.  Every school district must have a homeless liaison to ensure the McKinney-Vento Act is enacted and carried out.  Each state must also have a McKinney-Vento Act Coordinator.  This act contains many other provisions designed to improve the education of children and young adults facing homelessness.  There are also many education organizations that exist to assist those suffering from poverty or homelessness, such as the NAEHCY, National Coalition for the Homeless, and the National Center for Homeless Education.  Many states and school systems have resources available as well.

Megan Wilson is a blogger, stay at home mom, and freelance writer.  She frequently writes on Information and Referral Software

Resources:

http://sanford.duke.edu/research/papers/SAN11-01.pdf

http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-education-and-poverty-america

The Struggle to Employ the Homeless

In today’s recession backlash, homelessness has gained a new face.  Many professionals with outstanding skillsets find themselves in dire financial situations.  The news companies often showcase a sparse few of these individuals.  Some, like Maurice Johnson, holds three degrees including a PhD, and yet lives homeless on the streets of Boston.

Many people look at the homeless population and think, “Why don’t they get a job?”  However, by putting yourself in their shoes, you can easily see why many homeless individuals struggle to gain employment.

In order to secure employment, you must have a valid ID, resume, references, and appropriate clothing.  Many homeless individuals cannot renew drivers’ licenses or ID’s due to not having permanent housing.  While you can put a P.O. Box on a license, the DMV must have a verifiable place of residence for every individual.   

Many homeless people do not have access to an internet connection or printer, although many states are beginning to offer these services for free.  References are also difficult to get while you are homeless, especially if you have been homeless for an extended period of time.

Finding appropriate clothing can be as easy as going to the Goodwill.  There are also charity organizations like Dress for Success that offer professional clothing for the homeless and disadvantaged. However, keeping them clean is a challenge.  Some dry cleaning establishments have offered free dry cleaning for homeless people’s interview attire.

Experience & computer skills are another leading factor in hiring decisions.  If an individual has been homeless for a prolonged time, they may lack the computer skills necessary for entry-level jobs.  Many community centers and state offices have started initiatives to educate the unemployed, including free computer classes, typing classes, and job search assistance.

There are organizations like the Cara Program that offer job training, and placement for the homeless and unemployed.  They work with many companies, including quite a few Fortune 500 companies, to place qualified individuals in successful positions. 

While there seems to be an abundance of resources for the homeless, many are still left out.  Without adequate resources, these individuals find themselves passed over time and time again in the job market.  From a company’s point of view, hiring someone with no permanent residence, no phone, and no reliable transportation seems unwise. 

So, the next time you pass a homeless person on the street, instead of thinking about what they should be doing, think of what you could be doing to help.  Research volunteer opportunities in your area, and volunteer some of your time.  Expanding homeless services could greatly reduce the homeless and unemployment problem in your area.  For all we know, that homeless person on the corner could be the next Chris Gardner.

 

Megan Wilson is a stay at home mom and blogger.  She is passionate about social issues and 211 Software.

Domestic Violence and Homelessness

Homelessness is an epidemic.  Many outsiders believe it is a self-induced condition.  While some individuals do actively contribute to their homelessness, many find themselves at this end due to domestic violence.  While this piece focuses primarily on women, men also end up homeless as a result of domestic violence.

In recent studies, it has been found that in most states, over 50% of women are victims of domestic violence.  This high number is due to many women fleeing their abuser and having nowhere else to go.  Many times, women are cut off from their families and friends by their abuser, and don’t feel comfortable reaching out to those people in their times of need.  Many women leave their abusers only to be turned away by the most basic of social necessities.  These victims lack credit scores, bank accounts, rental references, and even steady income.  Without these resources in place, women find themselves unable to secure housing and other resources.  Many times, when faced with these consequences, women will return to their abuser.

Housing discrimination is a major problem or homeless individuals and survivors of domestic violence.  Many landlords adopt a “Zero Crime Tolerance” policy which evicts tenants when crime is committed in the home, regardless of whether they are the perpetrator or the victim of the crime.  Some landlords refuse to rent to victims of domestic violence.  In 2005, a fair housing group in New York City discovered that 28% of landlords either reused to rent to a victim of domestic violence or refused to return calls to an investigator posing as a housing coordinator for a domestic violence survivor program.   When faced with these hurdles, many women refuse to seek out protection from the courts.

While domestic violence is evident in every demographic, poor women suffer domestic violence more often than financially affluent women.  Women in severe poverty (Income of $7,500 or less) suffer from domestic violence seven times as often as those with incomes of above $75,000.  Women who live in a rental home or apartment suffer domestic violence three times as often as women who own their own homes.  Living in a poor neighborhood can also increase the chances of domestic violence.  Women living in a financially stressed relationship, living in a poor neighborhood are twice as likely to experience domestic violence as women in a financially stressed relationship living in an affluent neighborhood.

Safe, affordable housing is a key factor in eliminating domestic violence.  Many organizations have stepped up to assist women leaving domestic violence.  If you or someone you know is struggling to leave an abusive situation, offer a few resources:

Domestic Violence Hotline: If you need help immediately, please call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

National Dating Abuse Helpline If you need help and are in trouble, please call the helpline at 1-866-331-9474.

National Network to End Domestic Violence

Family Violence Resources from Department of Health and Human Services

Runaway and Homeless Youth and Relationship Violence Toolkit

Megan Wilson is a blogger, and stay at home mom.  She is a freelance writer who is passionate about 211 software and its benefits.

Resources:

http://www.montanalawhelp.org/files/0ED0131F-1EC9-4FC4-652E-FC8C4E92C777/attachments/ECE774E4-FB0F-575A-52AF-7094198209C4/381371factsheet_homelessness_2008.pdf

http://www.usich.gov/media_center/in_focus/domestic_violence_and_homelessness/

http://www.nlchp.org/content/pubs/Some%20Facts%20on%20Homeless%20and%20DV.pdf

http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/issues/domestic_violence

Protecting Yourself from Medicare Fraud

Medicare is a system designed to provide medical support older individuals, and younger individuals with disabilities.  Started in 1965, this system is supported by taxes, unlike private medical insurance companies.  Due to their broad spectrum of enrollment criteria, they serve a large populous of the elderly, infirm, and disadvantaged.  Unfortunately, Medicare fraud is gaining popularity.  Medicare fraud is expansive, and costs billions of dollars each year. Every individual enrolled in Medicare has a responsibility to ensure they do not commit or perpetuate the epidemic of Medicare fraud.

Identity theft is a key factor in Medicare fraud.  Individuals who are not protective of their medical information can fall victim very easily. While individuals may not be liable for the fraud, it may endanger your ability to procure future benefits and supplies.  Victims of Medicare fraud may also find it difficult Protect your Medicare card as you would your social security card or credit cards.  Never give the number to strangers or companies you’re not familiar with over the phone.  Never let your family members or friends use your card.  If someone offers you a free medical service, always keep in mind that they do not need your Medicare card in order to conduct the service.  Many scams are made possible by people giving their Medicare card numbers to “Free service” companies.

Never accept offers for medical equipment you do not need.  Some Medicare scam artists will gain numbers and ship unneeded supplies, billing Medicare are keeping the profits.

If you are receiving traditional Medicare, you should be receiving statements each quarter.  Scan these for anything that seems out of the ordinary.  Look for listings of doctors you never saw, medical supplies you never received or ordered, or billings for equipment that you never ordered.  Even small charges, if multiplied by hundreds of people or instances, can add up to big bucks.

If you are suspicious of activity that may have already happened, check your credit report.  Look for any unfamiliar unpaid medical bills. 

MyMedicare.gov is a wonderful resource for individuals or caretakers to view statements and check for discrepancies.  Medical statements are usually available on that site 24 hours after processing. If you ever find a discrepancy, or believe you may be a victim of Medicare fraud, contact your medical provider first, then 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), or via e-mail at HHSTips@hhs.gov to file a report.  In some cases, you may even earn a $1,000 reward!  If you lose your card, call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213.

As an additional resource to seniors, every state has Senior Medicare Patrol Office.  These offices can help seniors investigate whether they have been a victim of fraud.  To find your Senior Medicare Patrol Office, go to www.smpresource.org.

For more resources to help you avoid Medicare fraud, visit http://www.stopmedicarefraud.gov/.  Their online site plays host to an array of fraud fighting tips and tricks.

Medicare is a wonderful service for our seniors and our disabled population.  By fighting fraud, we can ensure that future generations can use the benefits as well.

Megan Wilson is a stay at home mom, blogger, and freelance writer.  She’s passionate about social issues and spreading the word about homeless shelter software

Resources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/health/30patient.html

https://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10111.pdf

Medicare vs. Medicaid: What’s the Difference?

Medicare and Medicaid are two programs started in 1965.  These are federally funded programs that offer medical benefits to citizens.  While their names are almost identical, the programs are vastly different in eligibility, benefits, and cost.  This article will take the two programs and break them down into easy to understand terms.

Medicare is a federally funded program for the elderly and disabled.  You are eligible regardless of income or assets.  Certain disabilities are covered, while others are not.  Medicare has four parts, A, B, C, and D.  Medicare part A is for hospitalization coverage, Medicare part B is for outpatient coverage, Medicare part C is a supplemental insurance which is purchased by the user, and Medicare part D is for prescription drugs.  Anything that Medicare doesn’t cover may be covered by purchasing a private insurance policy known as Medigap.  The monthly fee for Medicare varies on which parts you purchase.  Medicare part A is free, as you’ve paid into it with taxes throughout your life.  If you are self-employed, however, you may have to pay for part A.  Part B pricing is on a sliding scale.  The average subscriber paid 99.90 in 2012.  However, if you have a higher income, your price will increase.  Medicare Part C is run by private companies, so your price will vary.  Medicare part D varies by region, but most will pay a $38 fee monthly, plus a yearly deductible of $320, depending on your region.  You will also have to pay co-pays for your prescriptions.  All of the premiums may be deducted from your social security check.

Medicaid is a jointly funded program by the federal and state governments.  This program offers health benefits to low income individuals and families, along with offering benefits to individuals with certain disabilities.  Each state has different eligibility requirements, as the Medicaid program is administered on the state level.  Most states, however, offer coverage to adults with children at most income levels.  In 2014, Medicaid will enroll any individual under 65 with an income of up to $15,000.  Medicaid is often used for long-term care, or other services not covered by Medicare or private insurance policies. 

Individuals with disabilities are eligible in every state.  In some states you are enrolled automatically if you receive Social Security Income (SSI).  Other states may offer enrollment based on your income.  Some states offer “Buy-ins”, which allow people with disabilities who exceed the enrollment income cap to enroll in Medicaid. Children with disabilities can qualify for Medicaid either under these disability-related rules, or based on household income.

Medicaid is designed to be affordable, so the costs are minimal, and vary by state.  If you have questions, contact your local Medicaid office by finding local contact numbers at Medicaid.gov.

Medicare and Medicaid are both wonderful systems to provide for those in need of medical assistance in our society.  Hopefully these systems will continue to serve us for generations to come.

Megan Wilson is a stay at home mom, blogger, and freelance writer.  She is also passionate about social initiatives like Homeless Shelter Software.

http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/what-does-medicare-cost?page=2

www.healthcare.gov/using-insurance/low-cost-care/medicaid/

The Effects of Poverty on Children

The effects of poverty are far reaching.  Children, however, are the ones that face permanent detrimental damage from being raised in a poor family.  Infants and children are the innocent victims.  They can’t do anything to help their situation individually, as they are dependent on others for their individual needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.  While government incentives and non-profits have started programs designed to help children rise above the poverty mentality, the effects of poverty go much deeper than what we can see or provide for.

There have been hundreds of studies which explore the effects of poverty on children.  Studies have shown that children raised in long term poverty are usually shorter, and may even experience growth retardation more often than their non-wealthy peers. (Zéphyr Ehounoux, Maria Victoria, Louise Séguin et al. “the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development”.)  Growth stunting in poor children is almost double that of non-poor children, which can lead to cognitive development issues.  On the other side of the coin, 34% of poor children are obese, whereas their non-poor counterparts have an obesity rate of 19%.  The WIC program also faces obesity problems. Between 1992-1998, the rate of obesity rose from 11% to 13.2%, with an overall increase in prevalence in obesity of 20%.  The effects of poverty don’t stop at the scale.  The National Health and Nutrition Group ran an examination that showed that children who suffered from poverty had a 9% higher lead level in their blood.  This can be from their families living in homes with lead based paint, or by purchasing low-end toys and furniture that may contain lead.  In 1999, between 8-12% of children enrolled in federal assistance programs had elevated blood levels.

Low birth weight occurs most often in babies born to single mothers with little education and to African American mothers, all of which are groups with higher poverty rates.  Low birth rate brings with it a host of potential complications, including serious physical abnormalities and learning difficulties, including grade repetition.

Asthma is another problem that poverty stricken children will face.  8% of poor children will face the challenge of asthma; only 6% of non-poor children will be diagnosed with asthma. 

To put it into broad terms, children in poverty are 3.6 times as likely to have poor health, and 5 times as likely to die from an infectious disease.

Learning disabilities and cognitive impairment are also issues faced by poor children. Poor children are 1.3 times as likely to have these difficulties than non-poor children.  Under nutrition, or a poor diet, is a main factor.  A diet lacking in vitamins, fruits and vegetables can cause children to lack in motivation, focus, and emotional development.  This can lead to a poor parent-child bond and inhibit social skills.  With impaired social skills, children can suffer from anger problems, hyperactivity, and depression.

More than one third of children in poverty start kindergarten behind their non-poor counterparts.  By the time they reach the fourth grade, more than half of these children will lack the literacy skills necessary to read successfully.

Many times we correlate poverty with countries other than the United States.  However, poverty is an epidemic that affects every city, town, and state.  We need to, as a nation, stand up for our children, as the future is dependent on their success.  To get involved helping homeless children, go to Stand Up for Kids, HCN Kids, or Horizons for Homeless Children.

Megan Wilson is a stay at home mom, blogger, and freelance writer.  She’s active about social issues and helps spread the word about Social Services Software.

Resources:

www.cga.ct.gov/coc/pdfs/poverty/2004_poverty_report.pdf

http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/docs/07_02_03.pdf

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-effects-poverty-child-development-3931100.html

Generational Poverty and Homelessness

The number of families struggling with poverty rises each day.  Recession has left, in its wake, millions of families struggling to stay afloat.  Jobless Americans are finding it harder each day to pay their bills, buy food, or maintain shelter.  While this is new for many, and is defined as situational poverty, generational poverty and homelessness is an all-too-often subject that is looked over; it’s a problem that will plague our children and grandchildren.

Generational poverty is defined as poverty that has lasted at least two generations, which means that individuals who grow up in poverty find themselves unable to rise above the influence poverty had on their lives, and raise their children in similar environments.  It is believed that families in generational poverty fail to instill successful life skills to their children, who in turn, fail to be successful in a middle-class society. 

Financial responsibility is usually a skill that is very simple for most people to understand.  However, those that live in poverty don’t understand the importance of spending responsibly and saving wisely.  A paycheck that should be used to pay for food and shelter is instead used for toys or nights out.  The value of money is misunderstood, and in turn, abused.  

Life skills like correct grammar, personal hygiene, and job preparedness skills are also lacking in those that suffer from generational poverty.  While correct grammar is an important skill, it is a skill that is learned through reading and education.  Many families in poverty do not have the literacy skills to encourage their children to learn.  They neglect to read with their kids, teach them proper language use, writing, or hygiene skills.  Many times, individuals in generational poverty have memories of being humiliated and socially ostracized in school.  Usually, the parents’ lack of hygiene or grasp of the English language make school an intimidating place which, in turn, inhibits learning.

Many foster children will suffer from generational poverty and homelessness.  In fact, one in five foster children who age out of the system at 18 will end up homeless within two years of leaving foster care.  50% of foster kids will not receive a high school diploma.  Less than 3% will graduate college.  At the age of 18, twenty percent of female foster children will already be pregnant.  By the age of 20, that number skyrockets to 40%.  Since foster children are removed from the system at the age of 18, most support efforts end there.  This “Dumping” of foster children perpetuates the generational poverty and homelessness epidemic.  Left to fend for themselves, and many times with a baby on the way, these children learn to rely on the system for assistance.  By learning to rely on the system for their daily needs, these individuals never become motivated to overcome the poverty mentality.

Homeless shelters are turning more young adults away than ever before.  The majority of these families are headed by single mothers.  These children, born and raised shuffling from hotels and shelters, relying on the system, will mirror this lifestyle as they grow.

There are few programs designed to mold these individuals into productive members of society.  Some homeless programs offer education resources, job assistance, and counseling; however, these programs are few and far between, and many are struggling with overcrowding.  There is no one single answer to the generational poverty or homelessness problem, but as a community, we have a responsibility to give back.  To find a volunteer program in your area, go to Volunteer Match and see where you can get involved!

Megan Wilson is a stay at home mom, freelance writer, and blogger.  She is passionate about social issues and spreading knowledge about Social Services Software.

Resources:

http://www.invw.org/generation-homeless/young-homeless-on-seattle-streets

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/10/19/generation-homeless-young-adults-put-new-face-on-old-problem/

http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/aug/25/families-generational-poverty-form-their-own-cultu/

https://secure.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Store/SampleFiles/Journals/tp/TP0151Overcoming.pdf