Each month Fatima Johnson, Brightlane’s Community Engagement & Education Strategist, will be sharing some educational information and resources as we continue to learn together. This month she is helping us explore National Poverty in America Awareness Month.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 35 million people in the United States are living in poverty. Additionally, United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) reports that approximately 42% or 55 million U.S. households earn above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) yet still struggle to afford basic necessities or live below the FPL. In the 48 contiguous states and D.C., a family of four with income of $32,150 is living at FPL.
In Indiana alone, 38% of households are experiencing poverty, 26% fall below the ALICE threshold (those living above the FPL but struggling to afford basic necessities), and 13% are living under the FPL.
For these households, daily life often involves difficult choices just to make ends meet, leaving many only one unexpected expense away from losing access to essentials such as food, medication, and/or stable housing. As the number of individuals and families experiencing financial instability continues to rise, it is critical that we work collectively to prevent the widening of the wealth gap and support our neighbors in need.
As we begin a new year, consider sharing this information to help raise awareness, supporting and partnering with local nonprofit organizations such as Brightlane Learning, advocating for living wages and equitable resources, and taking time to learn more about the lived experiences of those facing poverty. Together, we can create stronger, more resilient communities. Below are resources to learn more.
* The data reflects the most recent publicly available information as of 2023.
Read:
- The State of ALICE in The United States 2025 Report
- The State of ALICE in Indiana
- 2025 Indiana Kids Count Data Book