A document titled "The Working Poor of South Carolina, Poverty Despite Work" was released by the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center during the 2006 holiday season. The report highlighted a fact that I am already familiar with, employment does not guarantee sustainable wages. 52% of SC families are considered low income despite having at least one working family member. The 2006 Federal Poverty Level is $20,000 annually for a family of four. We estimate that at least 75% of our families fall into this category of "poverty stricken". In South Carolina 35% of those living in poverty are children. 66% are single mothers. And surprisingly, the working poor are between the ages of 25 and 44 years old with a majority having a high school diploma. So why are people working so hard and still poor? Contrary to societal belief, poverty is not perpetuated by lack of motivation. Rather there are barriers to folks ability to earn a "living wage". There are 5 main issues: Low earnings, high cost of childcare, high cost of healthcare, lack of transportation and easy workplace access and high cost of housing.
This report comes as no surprise to us at Foothills Family Resources. When we have 3,513 local residents receiving food stamps, (and not all who are eligible apply), 1,684 individuals utilized our food pantry in 2006, 1,065 applied for health care benefits and we spent $20,000 on emergency relief assistance, it is obvious we have a problem here.
On the other hand, Greenville is one of the "richest" counties in the state. Rich economically and rich in giving. The proof lies right in our own back yard. Our Board of Directors is made up of some of the most gracious people in the county. They spend endless hours ensuring that we get all we need in order to fulfill our mission. I have the honor of spending my weekdays with Foothills staff, Kerstin, Janet and Candace who give me hope and inspire me to continue the battle against poverty. Our community has began sharing in ways that a few years ago I never would have believed. We are truly rich in Blessings.
Michele Merrigan