The term "high poverty" refers to a situation where there is an unusually high number of people living in conditions of severe economic hardship, lacking access to basic necessities such as food, shelter and healthcare. This can be due to various factors including low income levels, job loss or underemployment, limited education or training opportunities, and systemic barriers that prevent individuals from accessing resources and services they need to improve their lives. High poverty areas often experience higher rates of crime, poor health outcomes, and lower educational attainment compared to more affluent neighborhoods.