Session 12

1/2) Who do you think is poor, both in the United States and globally?Why do you believe people are poor in the United States and globally?
Many people struggle with their housing situation. This is a major cost, and one of the largest chunks of most household budgets. According the our slides, the highest rate of critical housing needs are in the west and the northeast. I found that particularly surprising for a couple of reasons. Since we have learned that education is a crucial factor in relation to the poverty level, it is no shocker that Georgia, being one of the lowest states ranked for education, would produced an environment that perpetuates a cycle of the uneducated. Regardless, critical housing needs have skyrocketed among more than just those who are poor rising 73% in recent years! I have friends who have applied for Section 8, the housing voucher program, and have been on the waiting list for over 5 years...5 years! They say so many people are just one paycheck away from homelessness that the fact that someone is waiting for 5 plus years to receive assistance is pretty disturbing. With that being said, it is very critical that these issues be addressed because housing after all, provides more than a roof over someone's head. It gives them more potential to become hired, let alone maintain a job. The stress levels on those who are struggling with these problems can lead them to become irritated, frustrated, stressed- issues we all face at times, and we all know how easily it can disturb our job performance- and we all need a job!

3/4) What do you think is being done about poverty (e.g., specific policies and programs in the United States and globally) and how well do you think poverty is being addressed?What do you personally think should be done about poverty in United States and globally (e.g., specific private and government policies, programs, etc. that you would recommend)?
Aside from the Section 8 housing, which is a voucher system that gives allowances towards rent, there are other things that are also done. When I lived in East Atlanta, they tore down a housing project to replace with a tastefully done, large, gorgeous apartment complex. The re-gentrification process had to provide a certain percentage of those who were displaced by this renovation the opportunity to stay in the complex. The problem I had with it? I was paying over $1000 a month (and this was 8 years ago) with neighbors who didn't work, sold drugs, I lost count of the number of times the cops came to my house for repeat break ins (let alone attempts.) So many tenants left because they couldn't deal with it. I remember thinking what an awful cycle was being repeated. Small children were growing up in this environment, only to be surrounded by those who could tolerate the conditions(because they weren't giving up the amenities at such a low price.) These children were going to grow up seeing these crimes, raised by the uneducated, and most likely fall victim to their environment. On a side note, Section 8 is supposed to have a positive effect on this in some areas, offering children more stability and less moving, which helps their attentiveness and academic capabilities. While I couldn't handle that particular area, I was able to move to many other re-gentrified areas of the city. Areas that were up and coming and extremely mixed. Areas benefiting from the HOPE VI (via section 8 vouchers) which aims to improve the overall look, and maintenance of some of the dilapidated areas around the city. This will draw people who might not want to move there otherwise, creating a more mixed environment. Also, the city of Atlanta, and some surrounding counties are offering tax incentives/breaks to those that live in these areas. In 2011, we will take a break any way we can!