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.
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