In 1973, one out of six Americans needed assistance
to get by. Today, it is one out four.
It’s time for a new approach.
In 1964, The U.S. declared a “War of Poverty.”
Here’s what’s happened since:
Government spending on anti-poverty programs now surpasses $1 trillion annually. Private charitable donations exceed $100 billion each year. Despite this massive spending, poverty persists as America’s most enduring crisis, creating unnecessary and inhumane levels of scarcity in a land of abundance.
The results of the War on Poverty have been minimal because traditional approaches have addressed symptoms rather than causes of poverty and
because we have relied on others to do what we each can do in our own communities.
Take action in your community: It’s easier — and more urgent —than you may think.
Our Action Guide provides hundreds of ways that you can take action — on your own or with a group — on issues such as education, health, housing, basic needs, and more.
You can’t solve poverty if you can’t even define it.
The Federal Poverty Guidelines define poverty in an outdated and dangerous manner and have done so for more than 60 years. In response, The Shared Humanity Project analyzes income and cost of living data across the U.S. to calculate the annual amount Americans truly need to rise out of poverty. Find out how many people in your state live below our National Poverty Plan Standards.
Our mission is simple.
The Shared Humanity Project works to eradicate poverty in the United States for current and future generations.
Collectively, we have the resources to do this. Listening to those with lived experience and taking action in our local areas, we can succeed in one town after another. Poverty is not intractable, and we it’s time to ensure that our approach to it is not, either.
Watch a four-episode documentary about The Shared Humanity Project produced by The Public Interest Registry.
Together, we achieve greater results.
The Shared Humanity Project offers advisement services to nonprofits, community leaders, and corporate social responsibility professionals.
Whether you’re an established organization seeking to implement more effective anti-poverty programs, or an individual looking for better ways to serve your neighbors, we’re here to help.
Email us to start the conversation.
Mark Bergel, co-founder of The Shared Humanity Project, advising Tiera Bratton, founder of DC-area nonprofit Opportunities for Deserving Children.
Donate to The Shared Humanity Project.
As per our mission, we’ll be efficient with your contributions, generating maximum impact for the people most in need.