Congress’s agenda against the poor continues. Here we are, years since the end of the Great Recession, and poverty and unemployment remain high.

This war against those living in poverty and against the government programs created to help them is particularly cruel. Cuts have been made to the food stamp program and federal jobless benefits. Now, there is drumbeating for still deeper cuts to these programs.

House Republicans are operating on the assumption that (1) there are only a small number who fall into the poverty category; (2) poverty is caused only by not working hard enough; and (3) government assistance is putting out far too much for the poor.

They’re wrong. There are 46.5 million Americans living in poverty, according to September’s Census Bureau report. Counted among these are more than 16 million children and just under 4 million seniors 65 and older.

The government-defined income poverty line is $23,500 for a family of four and $11,720 for an individual. Try figuring a budget on that amount.

Although most of the 8 million jobs lost in the recession have been regained, those regained have been, for the most part, low-end service industry jobs with low pay and no advancement.

Austerity measures have slashed our social safety net wide open. And so we ignore the needs of these millions, some working more than 40 hours per week and at more than one job – and still living in poverty.

We have a $17 trillion economy. The country isn’t lacking resources, we’re lacking a conscience.

Why is it considered better to fight a battle against food for the hungry rather than have a sane discussion on why we have all these hungry people?

And why is it better to remove help for those with no jobs than to begin a Congressional agenda for more and better jobs?

Volunteering time  and/or donations

The holidays can be overwhelming when attempting to keep up the tradition of buying presents for loved ones. Many have made a big change by instead giving to those in need and to other worthy causes.

The need for volunteer help is certainly out there. I’ve learned that no matter how strapped for money I may be, there are always others whose financial ends will never be met. And the gift of time doesn’t cost a penny.

Volunteering doesn’t need to be only for the holidays; volunteers are needed year-round. Most can use the help for whatever amount of time, or for whatever donation (money, food or even second-hand items), you can afford to give.

There’s no shortage of opportunities in our communities. Here are some resources for those seeking a helping hand and for those looking for volunteer options:

Kingston Food Bank, 297-4861;

ShareNet Food Bank & Gift Shop, 297-3619;

Kitsap Community Resources, 360-473-2032;

Kitsap Rescue Mission, 360-373-3428;

St. Vincent de Paul, 360-479-7017;

United Way, 360-377-8505;

Hospice, 360-698-4611;

Kitsap Humane Society, 360-692-6977;

PAWS, 297-3188;

Habitat for Humanity, 360-479-3853;

North Kitsap schools, 360-396-3000;

Kitsap Regional Library, 360-475-9102;

Kitsap County Parks & Recreation, 360-337-5350;

North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, 297-3619;

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation, 297-9623;

Kingston Village Green, 297-3133;

Kitsap County Volunteers, 360-337-4650;

Local churches, civic organizations and community groups.

Happy holidays.

— Marylin Olds is an opinion columnist and may be contacted at marylin.olds@gmail.com.