Poverty in the United States is a policy choice that leaves millions of families and children struggling to meet basic needs, build family economic security, and access opportunities to create their American dream.

The truth is that poverty in the United States is wholly preventable, yet efforts that keep people in poverty persist.

As a nation, we know how to address poverty, and policymakers have a host of program solutions and interventions to effectively alleviate poverty, including early education, the earned income tax credit (EITC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), housing vouchers, and Medicaid.

The Center for American Progress recommends leveraging current and new investments, including through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the American Rescue Plan, and the Build Back Better agenda, to create intersectional frameworks that examine poverty and develop solutions to specifically address the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities in poverty.

This brief is part of an ongoing series that examines how policy interventions can be layered to meet the unique needs of individuals, families and communities building financial stability. Read more about how a set of interconnected policies can sustain families, support women and grow the economy.