21 January 2014

On the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s pledge to wage “unconditional war on poverty in America,” humanitarian organizations and advocates announced today a new collaboration to fight the War on Poverty. The Salvation Army announced the national effort on January 8, 2014.

The Salvation Army, in conjunction with Catholic Charities USA, Feeding America, Save the Children, National Alliance to End Homelessness, Lutheran Services of America, United Way, and The Alliance for Children and Families, will work together throughout 2014 to support each other’s poverty-reduction initiatives.

According to government data, the rate of poverty in the world’s largest economy is now about 16 percent, with some 46 million Americans – including 13 million children – living below the poverty line of $23,492/year for a family of four. But perhaps more alarming is learning that more Americans fell into poverty in the aftermath of the great recession in the years 2009 – 2011 than during the actual decline.

“The Salvation Army has been committed to tending to the physical and spiritual needs of the poor since its inception, serving more than 30 million people in need each year in the United States,” said Commissioner David Jeffrey, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “We are honored to be working alongside other organizations that share our commitment to serving the underserved and solving the root causes of poverty to break the cycle for good.”

Brought together by Catholic Charities USA, each organization has agreed to follow a set of poverty reduction strategy principles that include a commitment to:

• Educate the public about the everyday challenges facing the more than 46 million  people living in poverty in America today.
• Highlight Innovative solutions to poverty by connecting local practictioners with national leaders; and
• Act to reduce poverty in communities across the country using newfound knowledge and techniques.

The organizations will soon convene a roundtable discussion on reform. Watch our website for more information in the future.