In response to the rising poverty rates in America, communities near Stockton are coming together to support those in need through various coat drives, as reported by Stacker, 16 hours ago.
According to recent data from the Census Bureau, America has seen a significant rise in poverty rates since 2010. This increase is impacting not only those living below the federal poverty level but also a growing number of people who, despite being employed, struggle to afford basic necessities. This group, referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), constituted 29% of Americans in 2021, as highlighted by United for ALICE.
A study from Brandeis University in August 2022 revealed a troubling scenario: over 75% of low-income families working full-time are unable to cover essential living costs. The situation is particularly challenging for low-income Hispanic and Black families, with less than one in five able to afford a household budget.
As the cold season intensifies, Stacker, using data from One Warm Coat, has compiled a list of local coat drives to support those in need. One Warm Coat, a nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to providing free coats to children and adults since 1992, distributing over 7.85 million coats to date.
Beth Amodio, CEO of One Warm Coat, encourages community members to participate: "It's impossible to change the world. But it is possible to change one person's experience, one person at a time."
The following locations near Stockton are hosting coat drives:
This initiative is a testament to the community's spirit and the power of collective action in addressing the challenges faced by those struggling to meet their basic needs.