January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month

Director’s Book Picks

In honor of National Poverty in America Awareness Month, the Council of Community Services is introducing a new feature: Director’s Book Picks. Each month, Mikel will recommend a book related to topics such as poverty, homelessness, and community programs. The first pick is "Homelessness Is a Housing Problem" by Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern, which explores the connection between housing and homelessness. While there won’t be a formal discussion, these selections are intended to provide an educational and informative way for the community to learn more about important local and national issues. We’d love for you to join in!

Every January, we observe National Poverty in America Awareness Month. January puts a spotlight on poverty across the country, but for many in our community, it is part of everyday life. At the Council of Community Services, we see it firsthand in families forced to make impossible choices, people searching for a warm meal, and neighbors doing their best to rebuild and move forward.

Poverty in the U.S. Currently, nearly 38 million Americans live below the poverty line, about 1 in 9 people. For them, meeting basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare is a daily challenge. Poverty is felt in everyday struggles. It can be a parent skipping meals so their children can eat, a person without access to safe housing, or a family unable to cover unexpected medical bills.

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 and 1 in 5 children experience hunger.

We want to thank our community for stepping up in so many ways. During National Poverty Awareness Month, it’s clear how much we can accomplish when we come together to support those in need.

The Impact of the Council of Community Services At the Council of Community Services, our mission is to help people help themselves. Through programs such as our Food Pantry, Soup Kitchen, and housing assistance, we’re working to tackle poverty on multiple fronts.

• Food Pantry: Our Food Pantry provides extra grocery support to families and individuals in need. Each month, we assist around 400 households. The pantry helps neighbors address nutritional gaps by providing a variety of healthy, essential food items.

• Soup Kitchen: Our Soup Kitchen provides a warm, nutritious meal to anyone who comes through our doors. Open 364 days a year, it offers a safe and welcoming space for individuals and families to enjoy a meal together. Homemade meals help ensure everyone in our community, young and old, has access to the nourishment they need.

• Housing Programs: From emergency shelter to transitional housing, we help individuals and families find stability and rebuild their lives.
  

Our goal is 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:

1. Donate: Whether it’s nonperishable food, warm clothing, or a monetary gift, your donations directly support local families in need. Click HERE to donate.

2. Volunteer: Help serve a meal at the Soup Kitchen or lend a hand with our food distribution efforts.

3. Spread Awareness: Share this blog or talk to friends and family about how poverty affects our community. Raising awareness is a powerful first step.

4. Advocate: Support policies and initiatives that address poverty and expand access to critical resources.
   

National Poverty in America Awareness Month reminds us that poverty is 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.

Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2022.

• Feeding America. (2023). Hunger in Wyoming.