Saturday, January 31, 2009

Notice

The Working Poor

Working poor is a term used to describe individuals and families who maintain regular employment but remain in relative poverty.

America's working poor are cashiers, custodians, child care workers, health care aides... workers who make up our service based economy. They work (the average low-income worker worked 2,552 hours in 2006 - the equivalent of one and a quarter full time jobs), but lack the earnings necessary to meet their basic needs.

In the United States, according to the government Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 6.4 million working poor in 2000. In 2005, the U.S. Census American Community Survey data found that 12.2 million Americans were considered poor (earn less than 100% of poverty)... and another 9.6 million, or 1 out of 4 working families in America are low-income (200% of poverty).

More than 21 million children live in low-income working families.

The other day I went to an "instant care health clinic".  I cut my finger deeply and needed it cleaned out properly. I saw a doctor for less than 2 minutes and spent my time there with an aide. We talked about how hard it is to get by... she works her job at the clinic full time and also 'moonlights' in home health care. Her husband works too, at a tire shop; they have two kids.

The weight of the above statistics can feel a little lighter if you just notice those around you.

Notice... the healthcare worker
Notice... the housekeeper
Notice... the cashier

Notice all the people who you rely on. Who keep things moving and keep our economy inching along. Appreciate how everyone contributes to the whole.

Notice someone today.
Thank them for their service.

For more information, go to workingpoorfamilies.org


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