By Paul Hyde, Originally posted April 22, 2024 in the Greenville Journal

The United Way of Greenville County will seek to identify bold solutions to alleviating poverty in a public discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond.

“Poverty, By Greenville,” which takes place 10 a.m. May 1 at the Peace Center, will explore Desmond’s groundbreaking research on the enduring complexities of poverty in our communities and strategies needed to address them.

In his recent best-selling book “Poverty, by America,” Desmond takes aim at problems that perpetuate poverty, challenging attitudes and practices by those on both the political left and right.

Desmond, for instance, decries the low wages that some employers pay and the high rents landlords can charge to low-income tenants who feel they have few alternatives.

“Poverty isn’t simply the condition of not having enough money,” Desmond writes in his book. “It’s the condition of not having enough choice and being taken advantage of because of that.”

Desmond, a Princeton University sociologist and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, also points out that affluent families often benefit from tax breaks on mortgages and college savings plans, leaving less tax revenue for programs that serve those in greater need.

Meanwhile, consumers often seek out low prices, he says, with little regard to how businesses treat employees.

In addition, homeowners in choice neighborhoods often rise up against affordable housing, keeping low-income families at a safe distance from their streets and schools.

‘Access to opportunities’

Although criticism often focuses on low-income people themselves and such factors as declining marriage rates and single-parent households, Desmond argues that poverty is a shared societal responsibility.

“We’re excited to host Matthew Desmond, one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers on poverty, for this important dialogue in our community,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “Together, we seek to identify actionable decisions that can be made daily to transform Greenville County into a place where all people have access to the opportunities to achieve their full potential.”

The event will feature a 40-minute presentation followed by a 25-minute interactive Q&A session.

“Poverty, By Greenville” is sponsored by Prisma Health and the Community Foundation of Greenville.

Want to go?

What: “Poverty, By Greenville,” featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond

When: May 1, 10 a.m.

Where: Peace Center

Tickets: $39

Info: 864-467-3000 or peacecenter.org