Poverty Is Violent
And Care Isn't Complicated
The only line I would edit is “poverty is the single most dangerous trauma we can experience.” Take out the we and I’m with you. No one has the right to speak on the impact trauma has in the life of another human.
Lemme hush. I know what she meant.
As for me, I don’t re-post from my other platforms because “it’s gotta be new content!” But the truth is that no one gives a damn.
And this isn’t content - it’s my life.
I shared this on LinkedIn earlier and wanted the words to live here too.
Poverty is violent.
Every month I ask for community support to stay housed.
I don’t make enough to survive and it isn’t because I don’t work hard.
Think you’re tired of seeing it? Imagine how I feel living it.
And you know how I always share the amount that I need?
What you don’t know is that’s it’s never the true amount.
Instead, it’s the amount *after* my $500 overdraft kicks in.
Which means I start each month in the negative.
I don’t share my true because I am consumed with heavy shame.
- Deep down I believe this is my fault.
- Deep down I don’t believe I deserve care.
- Deep I feel that my community has already done enough.
But it’s not that deep.
Spend a handful of minutes with me and you’ll feel my lack of self-worth.
Life taught this little Black girl she didn't matter.
At some point, I started to believe it.
I’m trying my damndest to build a solid foundation but it's hard to do in a system that wasn’t built for my survival.
In my building, they add a $400 late fee if you don’t pay by the 3rd.
Why would you charge people who don’t have money…more money?
On the 6th, they start the eviction process.
This is what I mean when I say poverty is violent.
Chronic financial stress is why my nervous systems stays in shambles.
As for April…
Amount needed to pay rent: $903
(I’ll start the month with negative $500)
The true amount I need: $1403
(I’ll start the month at $0, I’d be ok with that.)
And gentle reminder:
When it comes to collective Community Care, every amount makes a difference.
If 140 people who found value in my work (or me) contributed $10…
We make caring about others so much harder than it has to be.
Care is not complicated.
If you’ve never experienced chronic lack, housing insecurity or the inability to care for you basic needs, then please read Poverty By America by Matthew Desmond or listen to his interview on Vibe Check (1 hour) with the brilliant poet Saeed Jones.
And listen, I’m tired.
I can’t think of a tactful way write this “sales transition.” Apologies in advance.
But if I wanna survive (which I do) then I have to sell.
I recently created the 30 “Minding My Black Business” Challenge.
I for real love amplifying Black owned businesses…
Start date: April 15th.
Cost: $30
Each day I’ll send practical tips to help you build ethical spending habits and shift from “good intentions” to impactful action.
(And you’ll learn about 100+ dope, Black owned brands.)
Want to help a sista out?
Pay via my direct handles.
Stripe payments take 7-10 days and ain’t nobody got time for that because, please see above.
*Include your email in the notes and I’ll add you.
Venmo: @divinerobin
CashApp: $divinerobin
PayPal: practicecommunitycare@gmail.com
You can also upgrade to a paid Substack subscription or subscribe to my Patreon where I curate a Monthly Digital Care package - the April edition will be ready soon.
I’d be grateful for “just ‘cause” Community Care or cuppas of support as well.
As Danté Stewart wrote “the world is heavy, I lift what I can.”
Sharing my story is my lift - it’s what I can do.
Please do what you can to lighten the heaviness for someone (anyone) today.
2025 Goal: To only write about poverty and not continue to live in it.
‘cause this shit sucks.
#PovertySucks