Work and Family LifePoverty and Political Voice

Highland Park,

Richmond, VA

Poverty and Economic Inequality

"Poverty: a human condition characterized by the sustained or chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities, choices, security and power necessary for the enjoyment of an adequate standard of living and other civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.” –UNHCHR

How have increasing levels of income and economic inequality in the United States affected the poor?

How does the work and family life of the poor, specifically the low-income residents of Highland Park, affect their ability to achieve upward mobility?

Percent Living in Poverty

Residents with income below the poverty level in 2007

Highland Park: 23.1%

Virginia: 9.9%

Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2007

Highland Park: 10.6%

Virginia: 4.2%

Poverty Map

Work

Highland Park Work Profile

Lack of Employment Opportunities in Highland Park, especially “Gainful” Employment

Compensate for Lack of Opportunities with Criminal Activities such as participation in drug trade

High Levels of Unemployment and Underemployment

Blue vs. White Collar Jobs

Service Occupations Management Professional

Most Popular OccupationsTop industries in this zip code by the number of employees:

Construction: Manufacturing

Construction: Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors

Other Services (except Public Administration): Religious Organizations

Wholesale Trade: Furniture Merchant Wholesalers

Accommodation and Food Services: Limited-Service Restaurants

Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services: Janitorial Services

Wholesale Trade: Lumber, Plywood, Millwork, and Wood Panel Merchant Wholesalers

Health Care and Social Assistance: Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities

 

Pay Grade

Paid grade for the jobs:

Highland Park: $36,544

Virginia: $59,562

Travel Time to Work

Less than 10 20-29 minutes

Job Movement

Travel time to work

Less than 5 minutes: 125

5 to 9 minutes: 658

10 to 14 minutes: 1534

15 to 19 minutes: 2531

20 to 24 minutes: 2180

25 to 29 minutes: 608

30 to 34 minutes: 1494

35 to 39 minutes: 124

40 to 44 minutes: 180

45 to 59 minutes: 536

60 to 89 minutes: 281

90 or more minutes: 268

Jobs in the inner-city and in low income communities are scarce, many have relocated to upscale urban and suburban areas.

Unemployment

Unemployment- Males

Unemployment- Age 16

Unemployment- African Americans

Family

Single Parent, especially Single Mother Homes

Children live with grandparents, siblings from different fathers, etc.

Lack stable home environment

Stress on single mother to juggle variety of familial roles

Married Couples

Females with Kids – No Husband

Far West End (ZIP 23229)A Lack of Marriageable Males? (con’t)

Short Pump (ZIP 23233)A Lack of Marriageable Males? (con’t)

The Northside (ZIP 23222)A Lack of Marriageable Males?

Median Family Income 1980

Median Family Income 1990

Median Family Income 2000

What is the Government doing?

Percent Receiving Public Assistance Percent Living in Poverty

Cycle of Poverty

Family

Education

Work

Poverty

Recognitions

Dr. Erkulwater

Josh Vaughan

Thanks for all your hard work. We have enjoyed and benefitted from your class.

Josh, our fellow presenter, will be attending the NFL Draft this weekend. GOOD LUCK JOSH!