U.S.A - Hidden Poverty { 17 images } Created 4 Oct 2009
The changing economy has been cruel to much of Illinois state.
Since 1999, all but 15 of the state's 102 counties have seen poverty rates climb, with only one county bucking the trend in the Chicago area. Tens of thousands of families confront what often amounts to a daily struggle, if not for survival then at least for dignity. And their troubles unfold mostly out of sight, in barren apartments, soulless shelters or overflowing trailers.
The story is about seven families across Illinois with incomes below the U.S. federal poverty line. They are emblematic of groups traditionally at risk for hardship, but their stories are individual, compelling and demanding of attention.
Since 1999, all but 15 of the state's 102 counties have seen poverty rates climb, with only one county bucking the trend in the Chicago area. Tens of thousands of families confront what often amounts to a daily struggle, if not for survival then at least for dignity. And their troubles unfold mostly out of sight, in barren apartments, soulless shelters or overflowing trailers.
The story is about seven families across Illinois with incomes below the U.S. federal poverty line. They are emblematic of groups traditionally at risk for hardship, but their stories are individual, compelling and demanding of attention.
