Why Systems Matter
Poverty is often misunderstood as an individual failing rather than the predictable outcome of interconnected systems. By understanding these systems, we can better address the root causes of economic instability.
This educational resource examines how housing markets, labor systems, healthcare access, education pathways, and public policies interact to create or mitigate poverty in the Greater Houston area—one of America's most economically diverse regions.
Our goal is to provide clear, evidence-based explanations that help build a more nuanced understanding of poverty's systemic nature.
Key Systems That Shape Economic Outcomes
Explore how these interconnected systems influence economic stability and opportunity.
Housing & Poverty
Housing costs represent the largest expense for most households. Explore how housing markets, zoning policies, and regional development patterns affect economic stability and opportunity.
Explore housing systems →Wages & Work
Work alone doesn't guarantee economic security. Learn how wage structures, scheduling practices, and benefit systems create or prevent financial stability for working people.
Explore labor systems →Healthcare & Economic Risk
Medical costs are a leading cause of financial hardship. Understand how healthcare access, insurance systems, and medical debt affect economic vulnerability.
Explore healthcare systems →Education & Opportunity
Education systems can either reinforce or disrupt inequality. Examine how school funding, higher education costs, and credential requirements shape economic mobility.
Explore education systems →Interlocking Systems
These systems don't operate in isolation. Discover how they interact and create feedback loops that can trap households in poverty or create pathways to stability.
Explore system interactions →About CFHPE
Learn about the Center for Housing and Poverty Education and our mission to improve public understanding of poverty and housing instability.
About our organization →Greater Houston Context
The Greater Houston area provides a unique lens for understanding poverty systems. As one of America's most economically diverse metropolitan regions, it showcases both opportunity and inequality in stark relief.
With minimal zoning, sprawling development patterns, a diverse economy, and significant demographic diversity, Houston exemplifies many of the systemic challenges and opportunities found across the United States.
Throughout this resource, we ground our explanations in the specific context of this region while drawing connections to broader national patterns.