Poverty is defined as lacking basic needs like food, water, shelter, and clothing. It means having little to no money or resources. Poverty destroys people and leaves them without hope or will to live. Some key causes of poverty include lack of education, natural disasters, lack of opportunities, overpopulation, and spending money on addictions. Major effects are hunger, lack of healthcare, unsafe water, and limited education. Facts show that half of all children live in poverty, over 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day, and the majority of the world's hungry people live in just 7 countries. The document calls for action to address poverty before it is too late.