Poverty is a life circumstance whereby a person seriously lacks the resources, means, choices and power needed to survive and participate in society. Absolute poverty leaves one without food, shelter, clothing, and other basic necessities. Beyond such survival necessities, “relative poverty” means lack of economic self-sufficiency and an inability to participate fully in daily life. Those in relative poverty may lack a drug plan, dental and vision care, meaningful work, opportunity, skills training and education. Poverty has interlinking political, economic, social and cultural dimensions.

The effects of poverty are quite serious. Poverty leads to painful choices between necessities, such as paying the rent or feeding the kids, going to the dentist or buying a monthly bus pass. Poverty often leads to hunger or unhealthy eating, poor health, interrupted schooling, homelessness or poor quality housing, substance abuse, crime, violence and despair. Those who live in poverty have a shorter lifespan and suffer physically and emotionally.

The Salvation Army is passionately committed to eradicating poverty and caring for people who are struggling with poverty.

Below are some resources intended to help individuals, groups and congregations learn more about poverty and how to address it in our communities, our country and our world.