Dear Reader!

In this homepage poverty is understood in a wider sense than just being short of money. Since poverty may cover all kinds of needs: material deprivation, physical or cultural defencelessness, addiction, lack of family relationships. We don’t aim to make a ranking by objective measures. We agree with Attila József, who says 'If you're poor, then you're the poorest.’

’The poorest 100’ was not intended to be exhaustive. We have chosen 100 photos and short articles to present a few among the many faces of poverty. You may obtain an insight into the life of people and communities that have different status and circumstances, still face the same difficulties.

Many times we tend to concentrate on the differences between ourselves and others instead of similarities. One is from the country and one is from the capital, one is a gypsy and one is not, one is homeless and one is a homeowner, one is a refugee and one is a Hungarian citizen. We regard ourselves different from ’those’ from the other side. But if we pay attention to each other, listen to each others’ stories; we may realize that we are in the same boat.

Many times the surviving strategy of an unemployed countryman with a large family is not so far away from the one of a low-income old age pensioner who lives in Budapest. Similarly, children can be victims of educational discrimination no matter whether their parents are gypsies or not. A homeless person and one who is threatened by losing his flat due to credit problems are close to each other. One ran away from political persecution to Hungary, while the other is on the run through and through the country because of family assault.

Many times it’s hard to tell whether you are liable for your fortune or you are a victim. However, if one doesn’t want to judge those who don’t have jobs or a flat, use drugs, sell their body or are in prison, but tries to get to know and understand them, one can benefit from it. You can avert your eyes if you happen to meet any face of poverty, but this way you won’t be able to help the poor nor can you protect yourself and your loved ones from getting to the same situation. Poverty is near. You can meet it in the shape of a credit collapse, an accident, a failed relationship or a lost job at any time. You may be able to avoid dangers more likely if you get to know the nature of the risks and lead your life more watchfully. At the same time we are responsible not only for ourselves but for the people around us near or far away. It’s not just the question of money and power. We are all able to make life better for the poor around us and assist them to help themselves. Voluntary work, giving something you don’t use, a smile - all counts.

I’m obligated to all those who trusted us and with their stories and faces assisted in letting all the people in Hungary get one step closer to each other. I have to thank all my colleagues for their cooperation, and the Kingdom of Norway and Raiffeisen Bank for their essential assistance.

Márton Illés