Look at how can we help urban poor
After a decade of downturn, and for the past three years the worst recession since the Great Depression, the news about skyrocketing suburban poverty this week shouldn't really have come as a surprise.
Yet, it was still stunning. Eye opening. And it demands our attention.
An analysis by the Brookings Institution of census data showed double-digit increases in the numbers of people living in poverty. Aptly named, the “Strained Suburbs" report details a near doubling of poor people from 2000 to 2006-2008 even in the most stable and affluent communities like Arlington Heights, Naperville, Gurnee, St. Charles and Crystal Lake.
The numbers of poor in Chicago dropped by nearly 5,200. Of course, there still are far, far fewer poor suburbanites than those in the city, where one in five residents is poor.
The study's authors note poverty has been growing since the 2001 recession and was aggravated, of course, by the housing market collapse, the financial industry collapse and the crushing loss of jobs. At the same time, immigrants and others continued to move to the suburbs in search of better jobs and housing and so the numbers grew.
At what point are you poor? In the U.S., you're considered poor if you make less than $21,954 and are supporting a family of four. How many of us know neighbors, friends and family who have been laid off? How many know of empty nests that are full again? How many look around the block and see foreclosures? Probably all of us.
These are the sad signs of the times in urban America, in many metro cities and their surrounding suburbs. The U.S. poverty rate is expected to reach 15 percent. Poor in the suburbs nationwide now outnumber those in cities by 1.6 million, the study said.
In Illinois, getting help for the suburban poor is especially challenging. The state's budget deficit is approaching $15 billion and we've been chronicling for years the cuts and crises that have befallen our social service agencies. Those agencies also are fewer and spread over much greater geographies. And, of course, public transit in our towns is much more challenging to access.
It took time for the numbers of poor, city and suburban, to reach these levels. It is taking time to fix, but people need help now. Can we all give some of our energy? What about a regional summit to help the poor? Chicago and suburban mayors could convene with community college presidents, corporate CEOs and social service providers to brainstorm solutions for those neighbors among us who are struggling. In the meantime, those of us who are making it should help where we can. Give of our time and any extra money. That pumpkin spice double whip caffe latte could buy a full meal today for an adult or child who really is hungry.