Poverty Of The United States

1139 Words5 Pages
Genna Stott
Mrs. Weekman
Honors English II- 6
April 29, 2016 Poverty in America Imagine yourself trapped inside a storm that never seems to end. Where do you go? Who do you turn to for help? Poverty is often described as an endless cycle, struggled with by many, and something parents strive to withhold from their children. In 2014, about 47 million people lived in poverty in the United States (Poverty 1). This means 15 percent of America lives in a constant state of need (Poverty 1). These people have become resented by society and caring for them is viewed as an annoyance. In a country recognized as one of the wealthiest in the world, no one’s needs should be ignored, and…show more content…
On the other side of the country, in California, Michelle Carter strains to take care of her 3 boys. Michelle uses the few food stamps she is given to provide dinner for her boys, but relies on their school to supply them with breakfast and lunch (Facing). The number of families like Desiree’s and Michelle’s reaches into the hundred thousands, but some Americans do not even know they exist. If the state of hardship continues for long enough, it can take a toll on the mental health of the individual. Some families have to decide if they will get help for the mental condition of their child or if they will pay rent (Joey). In a poem about mental health and poverty, Neil Hilborn speaks about one of his childhood friends, “ We both had parents who believed us when we said we weren 't ok, but mine could afford to do something about it.” A young mother’s daughter struggles with a mental disorder and in order to get her help the mother has to use government money. The problem with this government assistance is that once the recipient of the money gets a job, the money stops being provided (Fessler 3). Studies have shown that, “suicide and mental illness rates are directly related to poverty and unemployment rates” (Poverty). In recent years, 6.6 percent of people below the poverty line have a serious mental illness and the number of those people is increasing (Levine 4). These facts should stir the American people to action against
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