WHEREAS, The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for 2025 deems individuals making less than $15,060, two person households making less than $20,440, and four-person households making less than $25,820 as the officially below the declared threshold for poverty in the United States; and
WHEREAS, According to 2023 U.S. Census Bureau Data, 11.1 percent of Americans are living in poverty. That amounts to 36.8 million people. Between 2022 and 2023, the official poverty rate decreased for White and non-Hispanic White individuals, women, and 18- to 64-year-olds; and
WHEREAS, Chronic poverty can lead to financial instability, unemployment, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare. It can also negatively impact family relations, health problems, and street crime. In particular, poverty can worsen mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS, For children, the stress that poverty causes on their vulnerable, developing brains and bodies can have life-long impacts. Living in poverty often means and leads to other forms of deprivation and disadvantage for children, including poorer academic outcomes, higher likelihood of negative health diagnoses, lower future job incomes; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, the percentage of the population living in poverty decreased from 21.7 percent in 2022 to 20.3 percent in 2023. However, out of the top 10 most populous cities across the United States, Philadelphia remains the City with the highest poverty rate; and
WHEREAS, Poverty is at the forefront of issues in Philadelphia, driven by income inequality, lack of affordable housing, limited access to quality education, and the decline of manufacturing jobs that once supported middle-class families; and
WHEREAS, By raising awareness and continuing to pursue solutions to the persistence of poverty in our City, we can not only improve the lives of countless Philadelphians but also set an example for cities nationwide in tackling poverty comprehensively and equitably; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby proclaims January 2024 as National Poverty in America Awareness Month, urging all of its residents to further educate themselves on the issue, and encouraging the continued attention of City officials on addressing and solving the issue.
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