Every January, we observe National Poverty in America Awareness Month to reflect on the realities of poverty and recommit to supporting those who are struggling. At the Council of Community Services, we see the faces behind the statistics—families making tough choices between rent and groceries, individuals looking for a warm meal, and neighbors seeking a second chance.
What Poverty Looks Like in America
Right now, an estimated 37.9 million Americans live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s about 11.6% of the population. These numbers highlight a sobering reality: millions of people struggle to meet basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.
But poverty isn’t just about numbers. It’s about parents working multiple jobs and still coming up short. It’s about children starting the school day hungry. And it’s about individuals facing impossible barriers when trying to climb out of hardship.
How Poverty Affects Campbell County
In Campbell County, many of these struggles hit close to home. Rising housing costs, inflation, and limited access to healthcare have put added pressure on local families. According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 people in Wyoming face hunger, and 1 in 5 children face hunger.
As a community, we have an opportunity to make a real difference. That’s what National Poverty Awareness Month is all about—acknowledging the problem and coming together to address it.
How the Council of Community Services Makes a Difference
At the Council of Community Services, our mission is to bring hope to those who need it most. Through programs like our Food Pantry, Soup Kitchen, and housing assistance, we’re working to tackle poverty on multiple fronts.
- Food Pantry: Last year, we distributed over 8,700 meals in a single month to families in need. That’s a lifeline for many during tough times.
- Soup Kitchen: Open 364 days a year, the Soup Kitchen provides not just a warm meal but also a welcoming space for anyone who walks through our doors.
- Housing Programs: From emergency shelter to transitional housing, we help individuals and families find stability and rebuild their lives.
Our goal is simple: to provide immediate relief while paving the way for long-term solutions.
How You Can Help
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but small actions add up. Here’s how you can make a difference this month:
- Donate: Whether it’s nonperishable food, warm clothing, or a monetary gift, your donations directly support local families in need. Click HERE to donate.
- Volunteer: Help serve a meal at the Soup Kitchen or lend a hand with our food distribution efforts.
- Spread Awareness: Share this blog or talk to friends and family about how poverty affects our community. Raising awareness is a powerful first step.
- Advocate: Support policies and initiatives that address poverty and expand access to critical resources.
National Poverty in America Awareness Month reminds us that poverty isn’t an abstract issue—it’s something people in our own community are facing every day. By coming together, we can work toward a future where everyone has a chance to thrive.
If you’re inspired to get involved or learn more about our work, visit ccsgillette.org. Let’s make this month a time for action, compassion, and hope.
Together, we can make a difference.
Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2022.
- Feeding America. (2023). Hunger in Wyoming.
