Reasons for Poverty in the US

In the United States, 15.1 percent of people live in poverty... a striking number since the great depression. But why is America still dealing with high poverty rates when we aren't in the depression anymore?

Reason #1: Compared to countries around the world where poverty is easy to see by the people on the streets, America has created a new form of poverty. Instead of having no food, poor Americans have enough money to buy junk/unhealthy/fast food; creating a country of malnourished and ill people.  These people are unable to work, or don't have jobs in the first place, causing the economy to worsen. The economy is a huge reason why America has poverty.

Reason #2: Drug use in America is a main reason for homelessness and poverty because of the addictive factor. Addicts often spend all their money on drugs and alcohol than on their families or finding a job. Addicts often live on the streets asking money for drugs, making the poverty rate go up because they are not spending money to benefit the economy. 

Reason #3: The costs of housing have gone up in the past few years because of the economy. Minimum wage in America typically does not allow someone to afford even a one bedroom apartment, and so there are people who either do not afford a house, or need to work from day to night. And even those who do work day and night cannot seem to make things work because they have families who they need to take care of too. 

Reason #4: People who do not graduate from college or high school are bound to make a significant amount of money less than those who do have a high school diploma and/or a college degree. Universities are extremely expensive, and those who can't afford it just jump right into a low paying career. Also, in communities where money and education are low, teens are likely to drop out of high school to work to earn money for their families.