Each year on January 8, there is an international recognition for War on Poverty Day, which is used to reflect on how everyday individuals can eliminate poverty and improve living conditions for all.
Poverty can fall upon anyone, including students, veterans, seniors struggling with healthcare, or families struggling to put food on the table. According to NationalToday, over 40 million people in America are fighting against poverty daily.
These numbers just include America, however, 719 million people worldwide face poverty. According to the US Census Bureau, 4.1% of Milford citizens (or over 2,000 people) live in poverty.
The unofficial holiday, created by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, establishes that it is important to recognize that one small act of giving back can impact a whole family or community.
Many Milford organizations and Foran clubs help out locally to help people in poverty across the community.
At the Beth-El Center in Milford, their mission is to help alleviate hunger and homelessness in the community. They reach this by providing support services, shelter, food, and community education.
Executive Director Jennifer Paridis states, “Especially during this time of colder months, there is a lot more complexity and concern to the issue. We coordinate with other regional and state shelters to deal with assistance during these months.”
The Beth-El Center also offers places for people to take showers, a mailing program, Wi-Fi and bathroom access, a community dining room, and so much more. They also work very closely with schools all around the district, including clubs at Foran, in organizing drives and spreading awareness about community struggles. This includes clubs Clothing the Community and The Giving Table.
The Giving Table advisor Ms. Rachel Pangu states, “We make meals every Tuesday for families in need in Milford…we are trying to make a difference every week. We have gotten a really big response and I feel that our work is more meaningful than ever.”
The Giving Table is also working alongside volunteers from Jonathan Law to donate food to families all over Milford that are in need.
Clothing the Community Club founder and co-president Elle Philpott adds, “We chose to support the Beth-El Center because we want to support people, especially those close to and in our community.”
In a world that is constantly changing, there is a new way for people to empathize and truly understand the magnitude of poverty that families and individuals face every day.
Below is a link for virtual reality to envision the life of a person living in poverty. It is called We Live Here and supports national poverty organizations Invisible People and LA Family Housing.
https://www.meta.com/blog/quest/vr-for-good-we-live-here-puts-a-face-on-homelessness/
