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Poverty Awareness Month

This Poverty Awareness Month, let's come together to raise awareness and take action towards eradicating poverty worldwide.

Friday

1–31

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to kick off the new year by raising awareness and fighting poverty during Poverty Awareness Month, starting on January 1. This month-long observance has been recognized since the early 2000s and aims to shed light on the issue of poverty and inspire action towards ending it. It's a time for us to come together as a community and support those in need, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply educating ourselves about this global issue. Let's start the year off on a positive note by making a difference in someone's life!

TIMELINE

Poverty Awareness Month Timeline

Charity Organization Societies

The formation of Charity Organization Societies began the institution's systematic approach to combat poverty.

Launch of Social Security Act

The Social Security Act was passed to cater for the elderly, unemployed and destitute in the USA, marking a crucial step towards poverty awareness.

War on Poverty

President Lyndon B. Johnson declared an "unconditional war on poverty" in his State of the Union address.

Founding of Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity was founded, an organization that builds houses for those in need, furthering poverty awareness.

UN's International Year for Eradication of Poverty

The United Nations declared 1996 the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty, a key gesture towards global poverty awareness.

Poverty Awareness Month Initiated

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development initiated Poverty Awareness Month to be held annually in January.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Poverty Awareness Month

Volunteer at a local food bank

Spend a day helping out at a local food bank and see firsthand the impact of poverty on individuals and families. Your time and effort can make a difference in someone's life.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others

Take the time to learn more about poverty, its causes, and its effects. Share your knowledge with friends and family to raise awareness about this important issue.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraiser

Gather a group of friends or coworkers and organize a fundraiser for a local organization that supports those living in poverty. This could be a charity walk, bake sale, or any other creative idea you come up with.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a poverty simulation

Many organizations offer poverty simulations that allow participants to experience what it is like to live in poverty. This can be an eye-opening and educational experience.

ADVOCATE

Advocate for policy change

Use your voice to advocate for policies and programs that support those living in poverty. Contact your local representatives and share your concerns and ideas for change.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Poverty Awareness Month is Important

It inspires action and change

By learning more about poverty and its root causes, we can work towards creating meaningful change. Poverty Awareness Month often includes volunteer opportunities or fundraising events that allow individuals to make a positive impact in their communities.

It raises awareness about a critical issue

Poverty is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people worldwide. By dedicating a month to raising awareness about poverty, we can educate ourselves and others on the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities.

It promotes empathy and understanding

Poverty Awareness Month encourages us to step outside of our own experiences and try to understand the challenges faced by those living in poverty. This can help foster empathy and compassion for those who may be struggling financially.

Related holidays

FRI

Jan 2026

Awareness

War on Poverty Day

Join the fight against poverty on War on Poverty Day - volunteer, donate, or spread awareness to make a difference in someone's life.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Join the fight against poverty on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: donate, volunteer, and spread awareness to give hope to those in need.

National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week

Make a difference during National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week - show compassion, donate generously, and help those in need.

Child Poverty Day

On Child Poverty Day, let's come together to raise awareness and support for the millions of children who are living in poverty. Every child deserves a chance at a better future!

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