Think Youre Poor? Living on the Edge

Early Childhood Poverty In 2004, approximately 18 percent of children lived in poverty during the first few years of their lives. (~12 million children) –These first few years are of critical importance in a childs intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and social development.

Children who live in families whose total income is less than the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are considered to live in poverty. The FPL for families of three is $16,090 The FPL for families of four is $19,350 The FPL covers only the minimum amount determined necessary to cover nutrition, shelter, clothing, health care, and transportation. What is Child Poverty? ONduty. Poverty Awareness. pg. 5. 1/06

Children who live in families whose total income is less than half the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are considered to live in extreme poverty. –The FPL for families of three is $8,045 – The FPL for families of four is $9,675 Extreme Child Poverty

Ten States with the highest estimated rates of extreme child poverty, 2004 STATE % OF CHILDREN LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY District of Columbia19.2% Louisiana13.3% Mississippi11.6% Arkansas10.5% New Mexico9.7% North Carolina9.7% West Virginia9.6% New York9.6% Alabama8.4% Tennessee8.4%

The U.S. census bureau in 2004 documented the increase of poverty in America for the past 4 years. Currently, 37 million Americans live in poverty.

Child Poverty Rates Across the United States, 2004

Poverty in New Orleans after Katrina

How are we the wealthiest nation with so many living in poverty?

About the creator of this bulletin board Brenton Hull is a third year Resident Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh. Since hes curious about where this board will end up next, please send him a brief at: