How has the recession and the economy affected every day life for those living in the poverty level?

They have cut the help they were given,making living and making it worse

Doesn't matter if there's a recession or not,prices rise,but Pensions don't,and even if they do,it doesn't cover the costs of most price increases,and so the wheel turns in a downhill run for those living on the edge.

The 'economy' has not done anything to the 'poverty level.'

The Poverty Level is a threshhold of earnings; This has not (yet) changed.

What the 'economy' has done is to have reduced the earnings of many individuals (and their dependant family-members) such that they, too, are now earning at, or below, the so-called Poverty Level. The economy has increased the number of people who can now be described, in financial terms, as being impoverished....

I thought this read "How has the economy affected the pervert level?"

Not to mention being tied to the rising cost of living index, which people with low incomes have no hope of reaching.

It incterased the number of families on welfare and food stamps. BUT has been a boon to the finamcial institutions and banking systems. The stimulous never reached those in need.

It is all a master plan by our government. Really, what is poverty is America? Having to disconnect cable? Maybe having family members cut back on cell phone usage? Ohhh, wait, maybe going to Walmart and purchasing regular shoes for 14.99 instead of name brands for 100.00?
WAKE UP AMERICA.... poverty is the U.S.? Give me a break. Our government wants you to be dependent on them. Quit spending money on frivolous things and start using your money wisely.