I live in Utah, and there are many reasons as to why breaking out of poverty is easier here than other parts of the country. I just want to mention one though:

I live in Utah, and there are many reasons as to why breaking out of poverty is easier here than other parts of the country. I just want to mention one though: The Mormon church is a huge power in welfare in this state, and while they do focus on feeding, clothing, and housing the poor, their welfare program really pushes self-reliance, education, and breaking the cycle of poverty in people's lives. They spend a lot of money to train people with marketable skills, and they give interest-free education loans to their members, in poverty-stricken countries, in an effort to help elevate the conditions and opportunities in those countries. As part of the help they give, they encourage people to donate and volunteer themselves, to help others in need, as they break out of poverty themselves. A lot of people complain about the Mormon church, over a variety of issues, but this is one thing they do incredibly well, I think.