When you think of people living in poverty you often think that they have made bad decisions to get them back to the situation they live in. “About 37 million people, or between 12 and 13 percent of the population live in poverty.” Many families live paycheck to paycheck due to bills such as rent, food and transportation. “In today's society, housing costs are higher than ever.” When a person cannot afford housing, they are often forced to become homeless. “In 2008, 1.4 billion people worldwide lived in extreme poverty. Another 1.9 billion people lived above the poverty line but did not earn enough money to live comfortably.” These people are often forced to make unhealthy choices when purchasing food because fast food and junk food are often much cheaper than fruits and vegetables. “The combination of a poor diet and lack of health care puts poor children at risk for long-term problems such as obesity, heart disease and asthma.” In rural areas of the United States, housing is affordable due to the area in which it is located and the amenities that the housing has to offer. “In some cities, gentrification is a problem. This happens when previously affordable housing is redeveloped into expensive condominiums for the wealthy or is demolished for new developments.” Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay People living in rural areas may not be able to afford the more luxurious price of newly constructed housing plus the other expenses of living a daily life. In today's society, it is common for children to be born into poverty instead of exclusively facing it as adults. “12. 8 million children under the age of eighteen live in poverty.' Children growing up in poverty “often begin their lives with a lack of health insurance, most pregnant women living in poverty will not have adequate prenatal care.” Businesses are also greatly affected in poverty-stricken areas. “Almost half the world's population lived on less than $2. 50 per day in 2008”. When people can't afford to go to shops and stores, businesses don't earn enough to keep their doors open. When companies start to have financial insecurities, they often cut salaries or lay off employees. “From 1980 to 1995 alone, corporate revenues increased 129.5%, corporate profits increased 127%, and executive compensation increased 182%.” People who work in higher positions in a company are financially well off, but lower positions are often affected. “By 1930, more than 26,000 businesses in the United States, including coffeehouses and stores, were forced to close.” When someone can't afford housing, they often turn to friends for accommodation and to gyms for bathing. Often going to the streets is the only option they have. “Many homeless people have difficulty showering and washing their clothes, this makes it difficult to find a job because they don't seem qualified to be employed.” Homeless people face many risks that a normal person wouldn't face, such as extreme weather, disease, and predators. “Women living on the streets are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse and rape.” With the constant fear of abuse, disease, and starvation, it is easy to suffer both physical and emotional blows. Healthcare is very difficult to get when you don't have proper documents and money. Many homeless people suffer from simple illnesses that could.