2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines

After a little more research today, I found the 2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines from HHS. What the Federal Poverty Guidelines tell you is how much you need to make a year to be considered living in poverty, and considered eligible for Federal programs assisting individuals living in poverty. This includes assistance with food, housing, school, etc. The important thing to keep in mind is those individuals that are slightly above the poverty guidelines. Those are individuals that do not qualify for assistance programs, and don’t get any aid. These are the individuals who are struggling pay check to pay check, and represent our lower middle class. It is these individuals that are at the highest risk of falling into a life of poverty and homelessness. Which is why it important to support organizations like Rock for Hunger, Salvation Army, Home Sweet Homeless, local homeless shelters, food pantries, and many more. It is these organizations that give those individuals, and individuals living in poverty and homelessness hope of living a better life.

The 2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines are as follows:

If anyone needs the numbers for Hawaii, please let us know by posting a comment, or sending us an e-mail to: cgoyzueta@rockforhunger.org.