The Poverty Connection

“Owning a home is going to change my life.”
− Reece Johnson (Habitat homeowner Spring 2011)

One part of the American Dream has always been to own a home. However, for many people this is not financial possible and never will be. Habitat for Humanity seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Poverty is such a major concern in Alabama and that is why Birmingham-Southern College has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Birmingham to bring affordable housing to low-income families.

The Facts

More than 1 in 6 Alabamians live in poverty
16.6 percent of Alabamians live below the federal poverty line, which is $21,203 in household earnings for a family of four. US Census Bureau

1 in 4 children in Alabama live in poverty.
24.6 percent of children (under age 18) live in households below the federal poverty line. US Census Bureau

2nd largest income gap
The gap between Alabama’s richest and poorest families is the second largest in the nation. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

41.4 percent high school dropout rate
Alabama ranks 42nd in the nation in per capita income. Nearly 60 percent of the state’s income gap with the nation can be attributed to our high school drop out rate, which was 41.4 percent in 2007. Southern Education Foundation