The Need
Two Quotes…
Number One
“The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.” Jimmy Carter
The Need
Number Two
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” — Zechariah 7:9-10, NIV
Poverty Trends and Stats United States of America
Poverty
U.S. Poverty Trends (2023–2024)
Overview
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows a mixed picture of poverty in the United States. The Official Poverty Measure (OPM) improved in 2024, while the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) remained elevated, reflecting rising living costs and the expiration of pandemic‑era supports.
Key Findings
Official Poverty Measure (OPM)
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- 2024 rate: 10.6%, down from 11.1% in 2023
- People in poverty: 35.9 million
- Groups with notable declines:
- Children (13.3%)
- Adults 18–64 (9.6%)
- People without a high school diploma (23.1%)
- Residents of the West region (9.9%)
- Nonworkers (28.2%)
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Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM)
- 2024 rate: 12.9%, unchanged from 2023
- Groups with increases:
- Adults 65+
- Black Americans
Why SPM matters: It accounts for taxes, work expenses, medical costs, geographic housing differences, and non‑cash benefits — offering a more realistic picture of economic hardship.
Poverty Among Older Adults (Age 65+) in the U.S., 2024
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Official Poverty Measure & Supplemental Poverty Measure)
Key 2024 Findings
- Official Poverty Measure (OPM): 9.9%
- Up from 9.7% in 2023
- Reflects pre‑tax cash income only
- Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM): 15.0%
- Up from 14.2% in 2023
- Accounts for taxes, medical costs, geographic housing costs, and non‑cash benefits
- Shows a much higher level of hardship among seniors due to medical and living expenses
What This Means
- Seniors were the only age group where poverty increased in the latest Census release.
- The SPM rate is significantly higher because older adults face:
- Higher out‑of‑pocket medical costs
- Fixed incomes that don’t keep pace with inflation
- Higher housing burdens, especially for those living alone
Unemployment Stats United States of America
THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION
Current Unemployment in the United States (BLS Data)
Overview
The U.S. labor market has cooled but remains stable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate stands at 4.4% (December 2025). Job growth has slowed significantly compared to previous years, reflecting a “low‑hire, low‑fire” environment: few layoffs, but also limited new hiring.
Key National Indicators
Unemployment
- 4.4% national unemployment rate
- 7.5 million people unemployed
- Rate is 0.4 percentage points higher than one year earlier
Job Growth
- +50,000 jobs added in December — a soft number by historical standards
- 2025 was the weakest year for job creation since 2020
- Monthly job gains averaged 49,000, far below 2024 levels
Industries Adding Jobs
- Health care, Social assistance, Food services
Industries Losing Jobs
- Retail trade, Some manufacturing segments
Mental Illness in United States of America
State of Mental Health in America (2024)
Overview
Mental health challenges continue to rise across the United States, affecting both adults and youth at significant levels. The 2024 State of Mental Health in America report highlights widespread unmet needs, increasing rates of depression among young people, and persistent gaps in access to care. These trends reflect data collected from major federal agencies including SAMHSA, CDC, and the U.S. Department of Education.
Key National Findings
Adult Mental Health
- 23.08% of adults (over 57 million people) experience any mental illness.
- 5.04% of adults report serious thoughts of suicide.
- 17.82% of adults have a substance‑use disorder.
Youth Mental Health (Ages 12–17)
- 20% experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
- 13.16% had serious thoughts of suicide.
- Youth mental‑health indicators continue to rise faster than adult rates.
Access to Care
- Over 28 million adults with mental illness receive no treatment.
- 1 in 10 youth with major depression receive no mental‑health services at all.
States vary widely in access, with shortages of mental‑health professionals in nearly every region
Drug Abuse in the United States
Drug abuse remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, affecting millions of individuals across age groups. Patterns vary widely by substance, with marijuana, prescription drug misuse, and illicit drug use showing distinct trends among youth and adults. Data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) highlights the scope and disparities in usage rates.
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), 2023.
Age‑Group Comparison Snapshot (2023)
| Substance | Youth 12–17 | Adults 18+ |
| Marijuana | 11.2% | 22.9% |
| Opioids | 2.2% | 3.2% |
| Prescription pain meds | 2.2% | 3.1% |
| Prescription stimulants | 0.9% | 1.4% |
| LSD | 1.0% | 11.6% |
| Cocaine | 0.2% | 1.9% |
| Prescription sedatives | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Methamphetamines | 0.2% | 1.0% |
| Heroin | 0.1% | 2.4% |
Homelessness Trends & Stats United States of America
Trends in Homelessness
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2024 AHAR
Overview
Homelessness in the United States reached its highest level ever recorded in 2024. HUD’s annual Point‑in‑Time (PIT) count identified 771,480 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024. This represents a significant rise driven primarily by housing affordability pressures, rising rents, and increased family homelessness.
Key National Statistics
Total Homeless Population
- 771,480 people were homeless on a single night in 2024
- Equivalent 8to 23 people per 10,000 U.S. residents
- 18% increase from 2023 — one of the largest single‑year increases HUD has recorded
The Need
There is always a need, God use us as Your hands to supply it.
Father in the name of Jesus we pray for everyone who is not experiencing your best life. Your Word says it is not enough to say “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it.
We bless every person, ministry, agency, government or private company… who has opened its heart to come to the aid of the needy in any way? We pray the blessing of more than enough for you to continue.