Help the Poor: Consequences of Poverty on the Individual

 

INTRODUCTION

If you live in a developed nation, chances are you take it for granted that you can always find food to eat and somewhere to sleep, no matter what the circumstances. However, the more than 1 billion people living in poverty around the world face these challenges every day, even if they’re working hard and doing their best to provide basic needs for themselves and their families. In fact, there are countless consequences of poverty on the individual, such as poor health and nutrition due to lack of access to clean water or nutritious food or from overwork or dangerous conditions.

The Dangers of Becoming Homeless

A common consequence of poverty is becoming homeless. One out of every six people in poverty are without a home. Giving to the poor can help them avoid these consequences and allow them to be self-sufficient.

The Struggle to Afford Adequate Nutrition

In order to live a healthy and happy life, one needs adequate nutrition. People in poverty often find themselves unable to afford nutritious foods that are filling and provide long-lasting energy throughout the day. This can lead to malnutrition, which is a serious issue when you're not getting any nutrients from your food. Giving to the poor is one way to help those in need afford adequate nutrition so that they can live healthy life.

The Difficulty of Achieving Educational Attainment

People who live in poverty frequently struggle to complete their schooling. In actuality, those who live in poverty have a lower likelihood of finishing high school, enrolling in college, and earning a degree. The main cause of this is that those who are poor find it challenging to pay for higher education without financial support from family or public funding. Currently, 2 million kids live below the federal poverty line, and only 10% of them will attend college when they graduate from high school.

The Inability to Access Quality Healthcare

A lot of people face the inability to access quality healthcare due to poverty. The consequences are dire and can lead to death, or permanent disability. Giving to the poor is a way to help them by providing them with food, clothing, and other basic necessities.

The Loneliness and Isolation of Poverty

The number one consequence of poverty is loneliness. For example, more than two-thirds (68%) of poor adults reported that they seldom or never talked to their neighbors. This type of isolation can contribute to depression and other mental health problems. When someone is in a state of severe poverty, it can be difficult for them to find any time for themselves because they have to work long hours in order to provide for their family and make ends meet.