However, you can use the word "impoverish" as a verb that relates to the state of being poor. Here's how it would be used:
* "The war impoverished the nation."
Other verbs that could be used to describe actions related to poverty include:
* Deprive: "The government's policies deprived many people of their basic needs."
* Dispossess: "They were dispossessed of their land and homes."
* Starve: "Many people in the region were starving due to the drought."
The best verb to use will depend on the specific context you are writing about.