Poverty in America
One in five American children lives in poverty. We focus our work in some of our nation’s most distressed and under-served communities, where poverty is high and opportunities are limited. We also respond to disasters that occur right here in the United States.
When Chicago teacher Sandra Ramirez visits World Vision’s Storehouse, she’s helping meet her students’ physical and emotional needs. She’s also helping prevent bullying and creating a better atmosphere for learning.
World Vision supports the work of community-based organizations and churches across the United States. The money that groups like A House on Beekman in the South Bronx might’ve spent on supplies can now go to further their programs. The organization offers free educational programs and also distributes supplies that families need but might not be able to afford.
Donors share school supplies with World Vision, who in turn provides a once-a-year shopping opportunity to teachers at Title I schools. Teachers and students alike at Trinity Academy in Hartford, Connecticut, marveled at the bounty of new supplies.
1.7 million
children and adults served in the United States through domestic programs
Thanks to the support of World Vision U.S. donors.
175,487
teachers and students benefited from school supplies provided by our Teacher Resource Center, supporting low-income neighborhoods
Thanks to the support of World Vision U.S. donors.
19,387
children and adults assisted with disaster relief and recovery response
Thanks to the support of World Vision U.S. donors.
Our Approach to U.S. Work
How do you make sure you're having the most impact on children and families in need?
We maximize and multiply our impact by working in partnership with over 3,000 local organizations, rather than limiting our services to what we could do alone. These community-based groups make sure that help gets to the children and families who need it most. We strengthen what’s already working.
How do you select the communities where you work?
Our primary consideration is the level of child poverty. In the United States, we find pockets of poverty with the same outcomes for child health and education as in the developing world.
Another key factor is the expressed interest of local nonprofit organizations in partnering with World Vision to meet community needs.
Why do you work through partners?
Every struggling community in America has faith-based and community-based organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Most of these groups are under-resourced and overworked because the need is so great.
Rather than duplicate their efforts, World Vision comes alongside them to help them be even more effective with the tools and resources we offer as a strong international organization with years of community development experience.
How do you equip local leaders and organizations to help children and families?
Families living in poverty are often forced to choose between buying food, paying rent, or buying new clothes and shoes for their children. We provide new, high-quality donated products to our partners to distribute to these families. This includes clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items, household goods, home repair materials, and school supplies.
We also train organizations that work with high-risk children and youth for more effective mentoring, academic assistance, and youth empowerment. We especially focus on community solutions that engage young people in the transformation of their communities. Training topics include: 40 Developmental Assets for Children and Youth, Effective Academic Mentoring, Child Protection, and Advocacy to Improve Life for Children and Youth.
How do you help U.S. families devastated by disasters?
We provide food, clothing, and cleaning supplies immediately after a disaster through churches, schools, and community organizations near the impacted area. We provide new, high-quality school supplies to help young people reconnect with their education. We also provide building materials for home repair and long-term rebuilding and recovery.
Ways to Give to Poverty in America
$1,600 worth of necessities in the U.S.
Millions of families in the U.S. are finding it tough to make ends meet. More than 1 in 6 children in America live in poverty. As safety networks fray, World Vision and its community partners are working tirelessly to help children and families who are struggling in the United States to get the basics they need.
Your gift delivers essentials like brand-new clothing, blankets, personal care items — even toys. And thanks to generous donations from retailers and manufacturers, your gift will multiply 16 times in impact.
Become a Poverty in America Partner
You don’t need to look far to see the effects of poverty. Together, we can help restore hope for vulnerable kids and struggling families in some of our nation’s most distressed and under-served communities. Your support will be a blessing to people across the country who need it most, from kids lacking school supplies to disaster survivors wondering how to rebuild.
Monthly giving is the most effective way to help children and families who need it most. Plus, it lowers costs, which means more of your gift helps kids!
Ways to Give to Poverty in America
$1,600 worth of necessities in the U.S.
Millions of families in the U.S. are finding it tough to make ends meet. More than 1 in 6 children in America live in poverty. As safety networks fray, World Vision and its community partners are working tirelessly to help children and families who are struggling in the United States to get the basics they need.
Your gift delivers essentials like brand-new clothing, blankets, personal care items — even toys. And thanks to generous donations from retailers and manufacturers, your gift will multiply 16 times in impact.
Become a Poverty in America Partner
You don’t need to look far to see the effects of poverty. Together, we can help restore hope for vulnerable kids and struggling families in some of our nation’s most distressed and under-served communities. Your support will be a blessing to people across the country who need it most, from kids lacking school supplies to disaster survivors wondering how to rebuild.
Monthly giving is the most effective way to help children and families who need it most. Plus, it lowers costs, which means more of your gift helps kids!
We work hand in hand with each community to address their unique needs — and achieve lasting change.
Choose one and see how our work gets done.
Health
Poverty in America
Economic empowerment
Clean water
Education
Christian faith
Gender equality
Disability inclusion
Refugees & fragile states
Child sponsorship