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The Truth Behind Poverty

The Hidden Face of Poverty: A North Texas Reality Check

As we observe Poverty Awareness Month, it’s essential to shine a light on a critical issue that affects our North Texas community more deeply than many realize. At Catholic Charities Fort Worth, we’ve seen firsthand the struggles of those living in poverty. Today, let’s challenge the common perceptions of what poverty truly looks like and explore how we can work together to create change. 

The Numbers Don't Lie

Poverty in North Texas is a multifaceted issue. While the federal poverty line for a family of four is $26,500 per year, the true cost of living in our region is estimated at $50,336 annually. The gap between these figures reveals a hidden population struggling to make ends meet. Consider these eye-opening statistics:

  • 13.6% of Texans live below the federal poverty line.
  • 15.5% of households in Texas face food insecurity, lacking consistent access to healthy and affordable food.
  • In rural Texas, poverty rates are even higher. For example, Foard County has seen poverty increase by more than 16 percentage points.
  • 1 in 5 Texas households doesn’t earn enough to support their family—a stark reality for nearly 1.5 million North Texans.

These numbers highlight the scale of the issue, but poverty is more than just a statistic. It’s a lived experience for families caught in a cycle that can feel impossible to escape.

The Face of Poverty in North Texas

Imagine a family of four where both parents work two or three jobs but still struggle to afford basic necessities. Their annual income is around $35,000. While this is above the federal poverty line, it falls significantly short of the approximately $50,000 required to make ends meet in Texas. Though above the federal poverty line, they’re far from achieving a dignified standard of living. Here’s a closer look at their reality:

  • Education level: High school diploma
  • Jobs per household: 2-3
  • Assistance received: SNAP benefits, Medicaid, housing assistance

However, earning even slightly more puts them at risk of losing crucial benefits—a phenomenon often called the “benefits cliff.” This creates a trap, preventing upward mobility and perpetuating poverty across generations.

Understanding the Causes of Poverty

Poverty is far more than just a lack of money; it’s a complex issue rooted in systemic barriers, economic instability, and unexpected life events. Many families live paycheck to paycheck, where a single crisis—like a car wreck or medical emergency—can push them into poverty. Losing transportation can mean missed work, costly repairs, or medical bills, creating a ripple effect that destabilizes their entire financial situation. These challenges are compounded by limited access to quality education, healthcare, and stable employment, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantages that’s hard to escape.

Beyond immediate financial struggles, poverty is deeply linked to systemic issues such as educational inequality, discrimination, and rising housing costs. Families in low-income areas often face barriers to upward mobility, with fewer resources and opportunities available to them. The constant stress of trying to make ends meet also takes a mental toll, impacting decision-making and overall well-being. Understanding these interconnected causes is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating meaningful, lasting change.

A Call to Action

At Catholic Charities Fort Worth, we believe that poverty is not inevitable. Through our efforts to relentlessly end poverty, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach to tackle this challenge. When you give, 93 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs that help clients escape poverty. Your support funds services like job training, financial assistance, housing, childcare solutions, and case management—all of which create a lasting impact.

Poverty is not just about numbers; it’s about people—individuals with dreams, aspirations, and the potential to thrive when given the opportunity. Together, we can create a North Texas where everyone has the chance to succeed.

About Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities Fort Worth is dedicated to relentlessly ending poverty in our community. Every year, we help over 20,000 individuals through services such as financial coaching, career development, housing assistance, and childcare solutions. With a proven track record of success, our programs empower families to move from crisis to stability, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Looking for other ways to get involved?

KNOW Poverty Hour

Join us for a KNOW Poverty Hour to learn more about how we relentlessly end poverty.

Stories of Hope

Discover Stories of Hope and see how we empower clients to build brighter futures.

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