Poverty and Homelessness Ongoing Challenges/Strategies

October 1, 2000 is a date I can't seem to forget.  Nothing earth shattering for the world, my community or even my family happened on that date.  It has no significance in comparison to the history making event of November 4, 2008.  However, it is a date that began a new journey for me professionally and personally. On that date I attended a workshop where I first heard the phrase "Hidden Rules of Economic Class".  It was also the first time I heard of the book "Bridges out of Poverty" by Dr. Ruby Payne, Phil Devol and Terri Smith. 

On that date I learned why I was not able to connect with those from generational poverty, some of whom we serve at the mission where I work.  It was because I did not understand the rules or cues and values of their economic class.  Funny, that I didn't since part of my own heritage is that of generational poverty.  Maybe it was because, now looking back, I realize I was raised with a mixture of middle class and generational poverty rules.

 Dr. Payne identifies three economic classes: Wealth, Middle Class and Poverty.  The Poverty economic class refers to those who have been poor for two generations or more, those from generational poverty. The norms of economic class does not apply to every member of a particular class but have been identified through research as consistent traits within that class. They are not purposely taught but learned through observation.  They are learned just by being a member of an economic class and watching and becoming familiar with the behavior, actions, language and values of those around you.

That information create a desire to learn more and thus began my journey.  I began by purchasing and reading the book "Bridges out of Poverty".  For me the most powerful influence on my life is my Christian faith. It, more than anything else determines my values and my world view.  That does not stop me from seeing the importance of knowing how economic class and can effect personal behavior and expectations.  Not knowing the different norms and values of economic classes can cause mis-understandings, judgmental attitudes and hinder the building of relationships between people from different classes.  It can create avoidable road blocks when ministering to the poor.