Politics

Suburban Poverty

Yasmin Rammohan | December 21, 2011 10:30 am

Suburban poverty has exploded over the last 10 years. Census data now shows there are more poor people in the suburbs in the Chicago metropolitan area than in the city. Elizabeth Brackett looks at what that means for the newly poor, and for the public and private agencies trying to meet their rising needs.

Related Links: 
People's Resource Center
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform
The Brookings Institution
Politics

Comments

Submitted by mike (not verified) on Wed, 2011-12-21 20:04
Neighborhood/City: 
Wheaton (Suburbs)

Elizabeth,
Great piece. Thank you for the insightful look into the changing reality of our suburbs. Please keep the light shining.
M. Garman

Submitted by John Sippy (not verified) on Thu, 2011-12-22 11:47
Neighborhood/City: 
Naperville (Suburbs)

Is there any way I can donate to the teacher mentioned on your feature on suburban poor. I am a retired teacher and would like to do some Santa Stuff. John

Submitted by Melvin Thompson (not verified) on Thu, 2011-12-22 12:26
Neighborhood/City: 
Chicago Heights (Suburbs)

A very sobering and not at all surprising piece. Kudos to Elizabeth for bringing to light what we in the south suburbs have known for quite some time. The disproportionate amount of funding that the city receives, particularly from the philanthropic community is evidence of a complete disconnect from reality.

The "new poor" paradigm is real and many of your most loyal viewers are living witness to what that mother of two is experiencing. Sincerely hope WTTW will expound on this new state of consciousness because it epitomizes the dire need for interjurisdictional collaboration among seemingly myopic municipalities, nonprofits, social service agencies and charitable foundations. Open your eyes!

Submitted by Suzanne (not verified) on Fri, 2011-12-23 13:34

Thank you for this excellent, compelling piece. "There but for the grace of God go I," say many of us. This is journalism at its finest and hopefully will make its way to PBS.

Submitted by Diane Nilan (not verified) on Wed, 2011-12-28 20:29
Neighborhood/City: 
Naperville (Suburbs)

Poverty has many faces. Families in DuPage comprise a significant portion of the homeless population. Many are invisible, staying with others, in motels, or in places not fit for habitation. Tens of thousands of households are on the subsidized housing waiting list. When and how do people think this will improve? How many kids in poverty are "acceptable"? When will we push for political will to address poverty rather than put on band-aids?

Submitted by Sherie (not verified) on Sat, 2012-01-07 17:21
Neighborhood/City: 
O'Hare (Chicago)

I don't deny that there are several / many people in this county that need assistance meeting their basic needs of food and medical care. Please don't lose hope... there are several programs out there that can help one in your position like Food Pantries, "All Kids - Healthcare for kids" http://www.allkidscovered.com/, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Inc., Pace, Goodwill, and of course the People's Resource Center!

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