ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Poverty in the United States

Poverty is when someone doesn't have enough money to buy the things they need to live a healthy and happy life. In the United States, there are millions of people who live in poverty.

Families who live in poverty may not have a lot of money to buy food, pay for their housing or other bills, or afford things like clothes or medicine. Sometimes, they might have to skip meals or not buy important things they need. This can be really tough, and make it hard for kids to focus in school or for adults to find a job to help their families.

One of the reasons poverty exists is because some people don't have the same opportunities as others. For example, if someone is born into an area with not many good job options or a lot of crime, it can make it tough for them to get ahead. Some people also experience discrimination because of their race, ethnicity, or gender, which can make it hard for them to get a job, go to school, or find a decent place to live.

The government sometimes helps people who are living in poverty by providing things like food stamps or housing assistance. There are also charities and community organizations that work to help people who are struggling. But it can still be tough for people to get out of poverty, especially if they don't have the same opportunities as others. It's important for everyone to help out and be supportive of each other, so that everyone has the chance to live a good life.