Poverty is defined as a lack of material possessions or money, with relative poverty determined by economic conditions within a community. For much of history, poverty was largely unavoidable due to insufficient production. Common causes of poverty include overpopulation, disease, lack of education, and addiction. Solutions involve microcredit programs, education funding, shelters for the needy, and philanthropic efforts by individuals like Mother Teresa and Muhammad Yunus, who developed microfinance, as well as organizations like the Salvation Army and Boys' Brigade, which provide aid to the poor.