Looking For A Way Out

The blight of the working poor continues to be under-reported by all media outlets.  But we all know that they exist even if we pretend not to notice.  The working poor are those who get up every morning and go to work regardless of their living conditions.  They have to go to work at jobs that in most cases do not pay anything close to a livable wage and perhaps just above minimum wage.  To make ends meet or get close to meeting, they work a second, third and sometimes a fourth part-time job, plus a side “hustle” to stay afloat or to just keep treading water.  Their daily “grind” includes long weeks, long hours, no time off, bad diets and a lack of sleep.  

What is so puzzling about their story and the reality of most people who continue to live in some of the most challenging neighborhoods in urban America is the fact that they believe that “better days are possible.” For many of them this is home and they have learned how to deal with the reality of a “rough” neighborhood and to escape is nearly impossible.  I know it hard to believe that people want to still live in these “little Beirut’s” and honestly believe that change is possible.  And yes! Some see these communities of boarded up houses, car jacking’s, gang violence, drug dealing, food deserts and slum lords as having an upside to them.    

Of course, there are a number of theories behind what is occurring in urban America. One such notion is that people are behind the madness of what is transpiring in urban America and are conspiring to undermine its possible resurgence.  Some also hold the idea that some people are seeking to benefit financially from an “urban America collapse,” by buying up all the boarded-up houses, empty buildings and vacant lots for economic redevelopment.  And yet there are others who see when “new housing” comes back to a particular neighborhood, the cost to live in the “new” is beyond their reach.  In some odd way people are feeling betrayed and want to blame city officials, business owners and community leaders for what is happening. 
       
However, improving the lives of the “working poor” should get our full attention in this 21^st century.  For improving their lives can also improve the conditions on the ground in the community and turning urban America around would be easier.  This is no laughing matter and from a difference point of view, the “working poor” is urban America’s best kept secret.  All that is needed is to help those that are on the bottom of the economic scale to become stronger by improving their earning potential.  Now that will be a story worth writing about and to witness.