Impact of Poverty
The impact of generational and situational poverty on families in South Carolina can be devastating. People’s lives are complicated, and the barriers that families experiencing poverty must overcome are usually multifaceted and complex.
Listening directly to the voices of individuals and families experiencing poverty is a critical first step in understanding poverty’s impact. Living in poverty is stressful, requiring individuals to make difficult choices each day in order to survive between having enough food, adequate and affordable shelter, clothing or unaddressed health care needs. For many families, there are numerous obstacles to obtaining and maintaining wages that can support and sustain families. These barriers include a lack of job skills, education, transportation and adequate and reliable childcare.
Despite challenges faced, families experiencing poverty possess multiple strengths. Continued efforts to meet basic needs, build social, human and community capital and provide services with dignity and compassion help to build the skills, hope and courage needed to change lives.