Poverty, Income Assistance, and Homelessness

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to poverty, income assistance, and homelessness as discussed in the lecture notes.

Hospitality in the Old Testament

Caring for foreigners and strangers, as seen in Exodus 22:21 and Hebrews 12:2.

Wealthy Landowners' Duty

Wealthy individuals were required to leave grains in the fields for the poor, according to Leviticus 19:9-10.

Care for Widows and Orphans

Communities and families were tasked with supporting widows and orphans as stated in Deuteronomy 14:28-29.

Interest Prohibition

Charging interest was forbidden as per Exodus 22:25 and Deuteronomy 15:1-11.

Matthew 25:40

The passage teaches that serving the poor is equivalent to serving God.

Christian Commitment to Aid

In the New Testament, helping the poor stems from a commitment to God rather than legal obligations.

Biblical Examples of Work

Adam and Eve worked in the Garden before the Fall; Jesus was a carpenter.

'Whoever does not work shall not eat'

This principle is derived from II Thessalonians 3:10-12.

Definitions of Poverty

Poverty Line is the minimal income level set by the government for meeting basic needs.

'Relative Poverty'

A method that compares household income against a fixed standard.

Market Basket Approach

Calculates the income required by examining food costs and family size.

Social Program Expenditures

The level of government assistance impacts poverty levels.

Welfare Reform of the 1990s

Shifted focus towards personal responsibility and reduced federal welfare expenditures.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Renamed welfare program following significant cuts in assistance.

Eligibility for Assistance

Restrictions were placed on legal immigrants' eligibility for aid post-reform.

Block Grant Time Limits

Limits assistance access for families after receiving help for 5 years.

Program Focus Shift

Transitioned from cash benefits to service-based assistance for self-sufficiency.

Work First Programs

Programs that place individuals in low-paying jobs with minimal benefits.

Defenses against Poverty

Includes a strong market, family system, social insurance, and public assistance.

Current Social Welfare Programs

Includes Social Security, TANF, Medicaid, and other assistance programs.

Root Causes of Homelessness

Poverty, lack of affordable housing, and interpersonal violence contribute to rising homelessness.