Poverty in America

The average income of America in the year 2006 is $48,201. ("Annual") but, why does poverty exist in our country? Everyday you wake up and see streets that are filled with cars, houses, buildings, stands, plants, and animals, but have you ever noticed a homeless family or starving children on the street? The truth is, poverty is around us, and we are oblivious to it. People need to realize that poverty is a growing epidemic. I have seen some families living in their cars, and eating from garbage. I have seen old men beg for change in the streets. There are people freezing at night, who sleep in cardboard boxes. There are children starving in our country everyday, stealing food just to stay alive. Where are these people? Why are they in poverty?
Many Americans would describe poverty as destitution: an inability to provide a family with nutritious food, clothing, and reasonable shelter. A poll called “Poverty Pulse” was taken in 2002. It asked "How would you describe being poor in the U.S.?”
The poll majority of the answers focused on homelessness, hunger or not being able to eat properly, and not being able to meet basic needs (Rector, Robert and Johnson, Kirk). Poverty is the deprivation of things that determine the quality of life such as food, clothes, homes, cars, and other property. When people are unable to eat, go to school, or have any access to health care, then they can be considered to be in poverty, regardless of their income (“What is Poverty?”). Being in poverty means to be in destitution. You lack the necessities if you’re in poverty. What are some things that would categorize you into poverty? A family of two was considered poor if its income was less than $12,015 in the year 2003; a family of four was considered (Haugen, David M. and B. Mathew J. 6). The bureau estimates that 35.9 million Americans, which is 12.5% of the American population lived below the poverty line in 2003, including 12.9 million children below the