The Poverty Line
When most people think of "poverty" they probably think of starving children in Africa; or the "slumdogs" of India; or children in the shanty towns of Brazil. We sometimes think of the children in Appalachia and other rural parts of America. We very rarely think of the adults of those nations whose children we have so much sympathy for. We almost never think of those living in our own country who are our neighbors, friends, and in some cases, relatives. The reasons for this mode of thinking is worthy of more thought and discussion at another time. The focus of this post is to introduce the concept for the next year in the life of my wife and me.
Resolutions:
I've never been one to make New Year's Resolutions. I don't believe there's anything special about starting a new pattern or behavior on January 1st. I'm a very introspective person and when I see something about myself that needs changed, I attempt to do it no matter what time of year it is. So, this next year isn't about a "resolution" at all. There isn't really a change needed because my wife and I live comfortably within our means. What this is about is calling attention to the fact that millions of Americans live in poverty even though we like to think our country is the "most successful" in the world.
Challenges:
I love challenges! There's something rewarding about doing something I didn't think I could accomplish. I usually attempt a very challenging Lenten abstinence- e.g.- giving up dining out; not going to the convenience store next to work during breaks. For Lent 2013, I was considering taking up the "Food Stamp Challenge"- though not just for one week- for the entire 40 days! Usually, the most difficult part of my Lenten abstinence is convincing my wife we won't die! I had her on board with the idea of living off the same budget people on food stamps have until...
Catholic Social Teaching:
We are involved in our diocesan Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program (LEMP)- which is a pre-requisite for the diaconate, which I am pursuing. Each month our LEMP group meets during a weekend course designed to give us a more advanced understanding of Catholic doctrine and ministry training. November 2011's topic was: Catholic Social Teaching (CST). Admittedly, I consider myself on the "activist" side of CST. I'm not at Dorothy Day or Cesar Chavez level, but I'm not the "pretend like there aren't any problems" type either.
I thought my brand of: give a dollar or some food to the homeless and donate to Catholic Charities social justice was good enough. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying those aren't good enough. But, I'm a "what else can I do" kind of guy. During the LEMP presentation for CST, Deacon Tim O'Callaghan, one of our diocese's own, showed this video:
I think I've watched the video about 25 times or so since that day. The thought that struck me most was:
Most people living in poverty ARE working. They are working minimum
or low-wage jobs. They are working 40 hours (or more) every week.
They are struggling to make ends meet NOT because they are lazy, but
because our economic model forces them to.
[NOTE: This is not an indictment of capitalism or an endorsement of some kind of socialism, communism, or re-distributionism. I think what Pope Leo XIII said in Rerum Novarum paragraphs 4 & 5 is a great starting point for the discussion on what economics should be.]
On the drive home from that presentation, I mulled over the idea of expanding my Lenten abstinence from living on food stamps to living in poverty. From there, I thought: why not expand it to a whole year?!
"You want to do WHAT?!!!"
I think that was the exact sentence my wife uttered when I pitched my idea. "I want to live at the poverty line for a whole year" was my answer. We earn a combined income of about $65,000 a year. Two years ago we decided since we're going to be in Las Vegas for the rest of our lives we should buy a home. We set out a budget plan to reduce debt, build savings, and clean up our credit scores. We reduced expenses by moving to a smaller apartment, cutting cable, and slashing whatever we can. Still, our savings has ebbed and flowed because our standard of living is adjusted to our income level. We live within our means and don't deficit spend, but we still dine out regularly, go to movies, and buy clothes (I am admittedly a tie aficionado - but I almost always shop Burlington Coat Factory, outlets, and sales). In short, we want for nothing, but still consume modestly.
The Pitch:
My pitch for living in poverty for an entire year went something like this:
1) We find out what the poverty line is for two people and budget accordingly.
2) We do not hurt our credit rating in the process (i.e.- we still pay student loans, auto loan, and pay off our credit card).
3) We do not assume new liabilities in the process (e.g.- no new credit card debt/loans).
4) We cut anything that will not fit into our poverty line budget (e.g.- dining out, shopping, vacation, etc.).
5) The income we earn over our "poverty level" is put into savings.
6) We blog about the experience in order to raise awareness about poverty in America.
We need your help for #6 to be accomplished! Share our blog with your friends, families, co-workers, and fellow parishioners! We will be updating regularly with commentary and insight on our experience.
Comments/Feedback:
Please keep comments friendly! The purpose isn't to engage in vitriol or "whose fault is it that poverty exists" rhetoric. The purpose is to raise awareness about the sad reality that poverty is an issue for so many people in our country and around the world.
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"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
-Matt. 5:3 (NAB)
