In our society we believe in showing compassion to others by helping and protecting each other from harm. Yet, right now, especially due to the fallout of COVID-19, many are now living in poverty. It's not right that a fifth of our population live in want, that more and more people are relying on food banks and that unemployment continues to rise so rapidly. It is simply not right that we live in a society where so many are locked in poverty.
The pandemic is affecting lives across the world, in particular the developing nations where ADRA focuses its work. The ADRA network has geared up to respond to the secondary effects of COVID-19, which is leaving millions of people at risk to famine and loss of livelihoods. Our current projects which focus on enhancing livelihoods, education, rights and food security among others, have also been adjusted to help respond to COVID-19 and continues to help make a massive difference in lives of hundreds of thousands of people, every day.
In the UK we are working with 73 community hubs to eliminate poverty because it restricts people's options and leaves them in impossible situations like having to choose between feeding their children or paying their rent. We are ensuring that the most vulnerable people in these communities are receiving food and essential hygiene supplies and that their wellbeing is cared for.
From food banks to listening circles, food distribution centres to clothing banks, ADRA is enabling local people to support each other to assist in addressing the inequalities caused by poverty.
We must all get behind the changes that can help people out of poverty as we strive for a fairer and more equal society.