Each month, Fatima Johnson, Brightlane’s Community Engagement & DEI Strategist, will be sharing a DEI insight as we continue to learn together. This month, she is helping us explore poverty in America during National Poverty Awareness Month.
It is estimated that 11% of people live in poverty in the United States. Over 830,000 of people living in poverty live in Indiana, which is about 12% of the state’s population. With increasing food, housing, and medical costs, economists estimate that we will see these numbers increase in 2025. With the number of people experiencing poverty continuing to rise, it is estimated that the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness will continue to increase as well. As we enter a new year and continue on our DEIB journey, we encourage you to learn more about our neighbors experiencing poverty and how we can support them. Below are some resources to assist you.
Read:
- 7 Key Trends in Poverty in the United States
- Number of Households in or Near Poverty Continues to Rise in Central Indiana
- Book: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
Watch:
- US Sees Dramatic Rise in Homelessness Among Families in 2024
- US Homelessness Surged a Record 18% in 2024
- 2024 State of Homelessness: Indianapolis