Poverty & the Recession
posted by: Armando Rayo 328 days ago
Growing up in poverty is hard, really hard. You have little to no choices, and the ones that you do have, you have to chose between spending time with your kids and working that second job; choosing between the cheapest canned good and the fresh vegetables at the grocery store. The choices are difficult, and people living in poverty have to make them everyday. Of course, they choose the second jobs and cheapest foods, because they have no choice; that’s what they have to do to provide for their families.
I remember growing up in poverty. Although I didn’t realize I was poor until later in life, I remember it was a constant struggle, and my brothers, sisters and I dreaded the end of the month when the money would run out. We were resourceful kids, so we took on jobs early in our teens selling the local newspaper and flowers by the highway, doing odd jobs, working with friends’ relatives in construction and at the same time keeping up our grades in school. (I kept up, barely!). It was something we had to do. We didn’t have a choice.
As I think of the recession, we’re in and the choices I can make now for my wife and myself, I am grateful. Growing up, I wish I had choices or even a simple understanding of what resources were available for me and my family to help us as we lived in government housing.
Twenty years later, I hope I can be a resource for people struggling in poverty, especially with the economic crisis were dealing with now. It is really going to hit home this year for people living in poverty and those falling into poverty. I compiled a short list of helpful tips, which people living in poverty can do to weather the recession. The list is short and practical; they are tangible solutions to dealing with everyday problems.
I remember growing up in poverty. Although I didn’t realize I was poor until later in life, I remember it was a constant struggle, and my brothers, sisters and I dreaded the end of the month when the money would run out. We were resourceful kids, so we took on jobs early in our teens selling the local newspaper and flowers by the highway, doing odd jobs, working with friends’ relatives in construction and at the same time keeping up our grades in school. (I kept up, barely!). It was something we had to do. We didn’t have a choice.
As I think of the recession, we’re in and the choices I can make now for my wife and myself, I am grateful. Growing up, I wish I had choices or even a simple understanding of what resources were available for me and my family to help us as we lived in government housing.
Twenty years later, I hope I can be a resource for people struggling in poverty, especially with the economic crisis were dealing with now. It is really going to hit home this year for people living in poverty and those falling into poverty. I compiled a short list of helpful tips, which people living in poverty can do to weather the recession. The list is short and practical; they are tangible solutions to dealing with everyday problems.
- Grow your own food. Food prices are increasing and a great way to invest in yourself and your family is to start your own garden. Whether it’s in your backyard or in a community garden in your neighborhood, investing in seeds and a plot will help you become more self-sustainable and healthier.
- Gain new skills. Invest in yourself by learning and acquiring new skills. The job market is tough and diversifying your skills can help you with new job opportunities. Check with your local workforce commission or Goodwill for free or low-cost classes.
- Utilize local resources. Call your local 211 Call Center or United Way. They can connect you to free or low-cost educational classes, self-sufficiency programs, food pantries, after-school programs, libraries, community centers and other resources available in your community.
- Create community bonds. Get to know your neighbors, church leaders, civic groups; people in your community. Create a network, start a neighborhood potluck or discussion group. You can be there for each other and help each other out.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself. You want to make sure you are physically, mentally and emotionally well. Have someone to confide in, someone you can vent with; a relative, friend or spiritual leader.
How will you and your family weather the recession? Leave your helpful tips in the comment section.
Mando
www.twitter.com/elmundodemando
Read more: poverty, surviving, civil rights, recession
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