Philadelphia has become the nation’s poorest big city, claiming the highest number of people living in deep poverty (incomes below half of the poverty line). Though some cities, such as Camden, NJ have a much higher rate of deep poverty, their populations are just a fraction of Philadelphia’s, the fifth largest city in the country.
In a Philly Inquirer article, Alfred Lubrano presents the realities facing families living in deep poverty that include food, housing, medical and child-care insecurity. Children living in deep poverty are more likely to develop emotional and cognitive delays that in turn will hinder their access to adequate job and educational opportunities when they grow up. Thus, a cycle of multi-generational poverty is further maintained.
Below is one photo that captures the faces of despair and uncertainty of a homeless couple on the streets of downtown Philadelphia.
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