John Edwards' Plan to End Poverty in 30 Years

From Street Sense

Street Sense asked major presidential candidates from both parties six questions to learn how they would combat poverty if elected president. Democrat John Edwards, the only candidate to respond by our deadline, explains.

What have you done to help people who are homeless or on the brink of becoming homeless in your community?

I have organized thousands of Americans in all 50 states to join One Corps, an organization connected to my campaign that gets people involved in helping make a difference and actually doing something and taking action. Earlier this year, for instance, One Corps sponsored a National Poverty Action Week to encourage members to volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other organizations that provide services to homeless people and to people whose housing situation is insecure. In my own community in North Carolina, I served on the board of directors of Urban Ministries, an interfaith organization that supports a wide range of services and outreach – including food, shelter and counseling – to people in need.

What is the single most important thing you will do to end homelessness if you are elected president?

While the causes of homelessness are complex, many of them are tied to poverty. The fact that nearly 37 million Americans wake up every day in poverty – 5 million more than when George W. Bush took office – is a national disgrace. I believe that what we do about this issue says everything about our character as a nation. That’s why I have challenged America to set an ambitious goal that could fundamentally change our country: eliminate poverty within 30 years and reduce it by one-third within a decade. To do this, we will need to make significant investments to reward work, expand opportunity and strengthen families. Because the issue of homelessness is too often related to mental illness, I will also create a universal health care system that treats mental illnesses every bit as seriously as physical illnesses.

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