Poverty In America The average income of America in the year 2006 is $48,201. ("annual") but, why does poverty exist in our country? every day you wake up and see streets that are filled with cars ,houses, building stands, plants and animals, but have you ever noticed homeless family or starving children on the street? the truth is, poverty is around us, and we are oblivious to it. People need to realize that poverty is a growing epidemic. I have seen some families living in cars and under bridges. old men and women begging for change on the streets. There are people freezing at night because they can't afford better then a cardboard box. Where are these people? Why are they in poverty?

Many Americans describe poverty as deprivation: an inability to provide a family with nutritious food, clothing, and reasonable shelter. A poll was taken in 2002 where people asked this question that varies in answers. It asked " how would you describe poverty in the U.S?" the poll majority of the answers focused on homelessness, hunger or not being able to eat properly and not being able to meet basic needs. Poverty is the deprivation of things that determine the quality of life such as food, clothes, homes, cars and other property. When people are unable to eat, go to school, or have any access to health care, then they can be considered to be in poverty, regardless of the their income.

Due to lack of opportunities in America poverty seems to be a rising case. People are becoming homeless, homes are foreclosing and Businesses are going out of sale. In the last eight years the economy has been going in a downward spiral. It seems to me that there's a lack of help from the government or the president. There are a lot of unstable households, no one is truly successful, and incomes are failing incredibly. The government doesn't seem to see all those in need? But do they really? By having the new "obama care" they plan to help the