Interview with Abbe Bothof

Hi Abbe,

            Thanks again so much for doing this for me. I know last time we spoke on the phone you said you would do your best, and that is all I ask. I have compiled a handful of questions revolving around poverty and the inherent affects it has on the community and people alike. Go ahead and take your time and shoot me an e-mail when you finish. Thanks again! You are a lifesaver!

Sincerely,

Luke Frantz

1. When you hear that someone is living in poverty, what does poverty mean to you?

When someone is living in poverty it means (this is my personal opinion) they are not able to make their needs meant.  Meaning they can not afford the basic necessitys, such as food, clothing, shelter, etc.  Poverty could also mean being homeless, living in cars, relatives, hotels. 

2. What are some of the causes of poverty?

Lack of employment, not making enough money at current job, not enough money to go around, drugs, mental illness, basically anything you could be addicted to could cause poverty.

3. How much of the poverty that you see is situational and how much is generational (family history)? How has poverty changed with the recent economic downturn?

I firmly believe that poverty has a family history.  Just like teen moms are more likely to have children that have babies as teens, poverty is the same way.  Poverty is situational as well, so many people have been hit hard by the economic downturn.  Poverty will only be a result of one losing their job and being unable to find another, or finding one that makes less money.

4. What type of resources do people in poverty have available to them?

Luke I am not sure about this one.  I would say for you to check local resources.  All I can think of is the Salvation Army, DI, or churches.

5. How does poverty affect children? How does it affect the elderly?

Poverty is horrible for the elderly.  They are already living on fixed incomes (SS and Medicare) anything more on their budget is detrimental.

6. How are we as a country, a state, or a city contributing to keeping people in poverty?

There are very few jobs being created, we ship our jobs overseas to save costs, rising costs, college is too costely.  People cant even catch up to get out of poverty.