1. DYLAN, ZACH, TYLER, CORDELL, DRAKE, AHMED HOMELESSNESS

2. IN THE US… In America alone, this year more than 1.6 million children will suffer from homelessness. Homelessness can be caused by lack of affordable housing, abuse, unemployment, limited or no access to help/support, and mental/physical challenges. is $22,350 for a family of four, $18,530 for a family of three, and $14,710 for a family of two. Usually a family needs twice as much to meet their basic needs. Over 90% of homeless women who become mothers experience severe physical or sexual abuse.

3. LOCALLY… In the 2012-2013 school year, Guilford County reported that 2,277 students experienced homelessness. 47% of Guilford County’s homelessness is due to unemployment. About 580,000 children in North Carolina live in poverty, that’s roughly 26%. Around 12,200 people are homeless in North Carolina. 1 out of every 5 North Carolinians live in poverty. In 2010 North Carolina’s poverty rate spiked to 17.5%, being the 12 th highest in the US.

4. THERE’S HOPE We can help the less fortunate in many ways such as… Habitat for Humanity Food Shelters Donating to things like Urban Ministry Volunteering our time to help at homeless shelters or soup kitchens Joining clubs/organizations that help out those in need After school activities

5. 12 WAYS TO HELP FIGHT POVERTY NOW Support an increase in the minimum wage to more than $11 per hour Join the “Fair Food Program” Make a personal commitment to helping homeless families Fund the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at the maximum authorized level Support of a living wage and basic labor protections for home care workers Urge Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act and a national paid leave program Increase regulation of private student loans Support Pathways Back to Work Invest in the Older Americans Act Tell Congress: No cuts to Social Security and SSI through the Chained CPI Tell Congress: Increase, Don’t Cut SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefits Tell congress: to stop harmful cuts to anti-poverty programs now