1 in 9 people in the US are poor.

[EroticySteve]

The definition of poverty may be different for some. For example, I have a friend who's recently divorced. A young single mom 25 years old with two kids. She is now back in school, she gets some federal assistance but not much. Her ex husband who cheated on her and left her pays no support of any type other than a $50 check here and there.

I'm not sure how common a situation like this is but this has been my experience with people who'd be considered poor, or living below the poverty line.

However, with her parents help she has a very nice house and a very nice car, not new but new enough and reliable and safe for her and her kids.

I have other friends even my age who are rooming together with other friends and none of them make much money but they live cheaply and enjoy life. They too would be considered poor.

So to think that all of Poor America is living in dirt floor huts or under an Expressway bridge think that their definition may be skewed for good news.