Understanding Poverty

Working with the Treasures, we’ve seen, felt, even tasted poverty first-hand. We’ve walked alongside children as they’ve grown into adults. We’ve watched many escape poverty. And we’ve watched many stay stuck. What we’ve found is this isn’t just an issue of economic poverty. From spiritual to mental to physical, we’ve identified eight forms of poverty that reinforce each other.

Spiritual
Poverty

Most people in poverty do not have a personal relationship with God or the knowledge that they are wonderfully created by Him.

Intellectual
Poverty

Most do not have access to knowledge or technology. They believe they are trash, useless and stupid.

Poverty of
Affection

For many, violence is simply a way of life. They live outside of love and live in hatred, bitterness, low self-esteem and selfishness.

Poverty of
the Will

Many are slaves to substances or sexual abuse. They lack the will or the encouragement to change.

See how the 8 Forms of Poverty impact the communities and people we serve.

Physical
Poverty

Malnutrition, harsh working conditions and no access to health care are common.

Poverty of
Support Network

For many, “I am alone” is a common phrase. People feel isolated, not only within their family but also within the community.

Poverty of
Civic Involvement

Leadership, cooperation, and collaboration in the community are simply not part of their culture.

Economic
Poverty

People in poverty have an income of less than $55 per month.

CREATING LASTING CHANGE

Most organizations focus on a specific area, health, education or economics. Potter’s House provides
five comprehensive programs through community centers:

Transformation happens on a physical, intellectual, and spiritual level, empowering people living in poverty in Guatemala and achieving lasting changes in their lives, community, and nation.

Our programs

“I have very big dreams after college. But my biggest dream is to be a Motivational Speaker. I want to share my testimony, because through it I know that I can change the mentality of many young people so that they can dream big. Like me.”

“I like the food they give me at Potter’s House, in my house normally what we eat is beans and several times a week our dinner is bread and coffee.” Marcelino entered the program in 2015 at age 11 weighing 67lbs. and measuring 3.93 feet. at the end of the year he reached a weight of 72lbs. and height 4.36 feet, corresponding to his age.

“I met the Lord in the evangelistic activities that PHA carried out with children, they sowed seeds that have sprouted in due time. At the age of 12 I began a personal relationship with Jesus and started attending church, I learned to sing and play some instruments
that I now play.”