2. Aid to Poor Faces Tighter Security (internal link) Abstract: This 2003 article begins: "President Bush's budget proposes new eligibility requirements that would make it more difficult for low-income families to obtain a range of government benefits, from tax credits to school lunches." Resource Type: Article
3. Banking on the Bottom (internal link) Abstract: A very important article that explores the financial options available to poor people and those living in low-income neighborhoods. It discusses the dual problem that these neighborhoods face with a paucity of banks and an abundance of check cashers and other fringe financial institutions that exploit low income people. Resource Type: Article
4. Basic Family Budgets Better Reveal the Hardships in America (external link) Abstract: A basic family budget is the amount required to adequately afford a safe and decent, yet modest, standard of living. These budgets are estimated for six family types—one or two parents with one, two, or three children—in over 400 U.S. communities. Resource Type: Article
6. Being Black, Living in The Red (external link) Abstract: Being Black, Living in the Red demonstrates that many differences between blacks and whites stem not from race but from economic inequalities that have accumulated over the course of American history. Property ownership--as measured by net worth--reflects this legacy of economic oppression. The racial discrepancy in wealth holdings leads to advantages for whites in the form of better schools, more desirable residences, higher wages, and more opportunities to save, invest, and thereby further their economic advantages. Resource Type: Book
7. Between Hope and Hard Times in NYC (external link) Abstract: This report explores the current demographics of poor people in New York City. It contains data on who these individuals and families are, as well as related documentation on education and skills training, economic development, and policies that support low-income workers. Resource Type: Article
8. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (external link) Abstract: The Center conducts research and analysis to inform public debates over proposed budget and tax policies and to help ensure that the needs of low-income families and individuals are considered in these debates. They also develop policy options to alleviate poverty, particularly among working families. Resource Type: Website
9. Child Poverty Among Racial Minorities (internal link) Abstract: This article examines the effects of changing family structures on child poverty rates. The article finds that child poverty rates declined in the 1990's, and presents some interesting arguments for why this has happened. Resource Type: Article
10. Choosing the High Road: Businesses that Pay a Living Wage and Prosper (external link) Abstract: For wealthy Americans, the economic miracle of the ’90s represented a dream-come-true. For tens of millions of others, it represented a dream shattered. It doesn’t have to be this way. This report shows why paying a living wage to all employees is good for business, as well as workers and communities. Resource Type: Article
11. ColorLines Magazine - Article Archive (external link) Abstract: ColorLines is the first national, multi-racial magazine devoted to covering the politics and creations of communities of color. This site contains archives to all previously published articles, many of which deal with racial & financial issues. Resource Type: Website
12. Community Voices Heard - Student Guide (internal link) Abstract: A semester-long unit about conducting and analyzing community surveys. Students learn about randomization, sampling, and different techniques for data analysis. Can be adapted for any grade, 6 - 12. Resource Type: Curriculum
13. Community Voices Heard - Teacherss Guide (internal link) Abstract: A semester-long unit about conducting and analyzing community surveys. Students learn about randomization, sampling, and different techniques for data analysis. Can be adapted for any grade, 6 - 12. Resource Type: Curriculum
18. Deciding Who’s Poor (external link) Abstract: This paper looks at the bad old (but still used) way of counting the poor, and contrast it with some of the new ways that have been proposed. Resource Type: Article
19. Doubly Divided: The Racial Wealth Gap (external link) Abstract: African Americans and other minorities hold far less wealth than whites. But why should the wealth gap be so large, greater even than the racial income gap? It turns out that government has played a central role. Throughout U.S. history, countless specific laws, policies, rules, and court decisions have made it more difficult for nonwhites to build wealth, and transferred wealth they did own to whites. Resource Type: Article
22. Events that Trigger Poverty Entries and Exits (internal link) Abstract: This article examines how events - such as changes in household composition, employment status, disability status, and economic conditions - affect poverty entries and exits. Resource Type: Article
23. Federal Regulation of Credit: The Cause or the Cure for Predatory Lending (external link) Abstract: This paper looks at how, since the 1980's, developments on the federal level have been a significant – if not the primary – cause for the escalation of the predatory lending problem which is steam rolling through communities across America. Resource Type: Article
28. Fiscal Policy Institute (external link) Abstract: The Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) is a nonpartisan research and education organization that focuses on the broad range of tax, budget, economic and related public policy issues that affect the quality of life and the economic well-being of New York State residents. The site contains research, policy papers, data on NY state, and more. Resource Type: Website
29. Foreign Exchange: Investigating the Economy of Foreign Nations (internal link) Abstract: In this lesson, students share ideas about the values of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. They then research the economy of a foreign country and prepare an appropriate budget for one month study abroad. They synthesize their learning by reflecting on what life would be like if they were to live on $100 a week in a foreign country. Resource Type: Curriculum
31. Getting Ahead: A Survey of Low-Wage Workers (external link) Abstract: This survey was designed to explore the opinions and experiences of low-wage workers regarding career advancement, opportunities for education and job training, and job search resources, with a focus on awareness of, interest in, and usage of public resources. Resource Type: Article
32. Global Child Poverty (external link) Abstract: A PowerPoint Presentation on the status of global child poverty. It looks at things like mortality rates, compares wealthy/poor countries, and discusses various commitments (and failures) that different nations have made to eradicate this problem. Resource Type: Article
34. Health Insurance Coverage in the US (external link) Abstract: Overview of Health Insurance Coverage throughout the US based on Current Population Survey data. Includes both written highlights as well as simple charts & graphs. Resource Type: Table/Chart
36. Housing Costs Change List of Top Areas for Poverty (internal link) Abstract: This article reports on new findings that adjust the poverty line to reflect housing costs, and find that New York, California, and Washington, DC have highest percentage of people living in poverty. Resource Type: Article
37. How Do Poor People Bank? (internal link) Abstract: A 2 - 4 day lesson on the banking structures available for poor people. The lesson starts by explaining how traditional banks provide people with interest on savings accounts and then explores how this is flipped on poor people forced to use check cashers, pawn shops, rapid refund loans, etc. Math involved includes percents, interest, compound interest, APR. Resource Type: Curriculum
38. How The Other Half Still Lives (internal link) Abstract: Borrowing from the Jacob Riis book, this article reports on the living conditions of poor people in this country and how poverty is still hidden from the public eye and agenda. The author looks at issues including wages, homelessness, housing, and job availability. Resource Type: Article
39. Hurricane Katrina Resource Maps (external link) Abstract: These maps were prepared for selected areas in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. They contain data on poverty, race, age, education, and other demographic categories for different counties, cities, and states that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Resource Type: Map
40. If you work, then you shouldn’t be poor (external link) Abstract: A brief editorial that contends people who work should not be poor, but because the Minimum Wage is so low, and because of other policies, many who have jobs are still living far below the poverty line. Resource Type: Article
46. InfoShare (external link) Abstract: The Infoshare Community Information Service is a sophisticated tool that lets planners, community activists, teachers, students, researchers, and ordinary citizens view and analyze a vast array of community and regional data. Data currently available for NYC and NY State. Resource Type: Website
47. Institute for Research on Poverty (external link) Abstract: RP is a center for interdisciplinary research into the causes and consequences of poverty and social inequality in the United States. The website contains research on welfare, EITC, education, and much more. Focuses heavily on poverty in the Midwest Resource Type: Website
48. Institute for the Study of Homelessness and Poverty (external link) Abstract: The Institute is a nonprofit, non-partisan, research and policy organization located at the Weingart Center, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row. The Institute delivers reliable analysis, data and solutions to institutions and individuals to spark new collaborations and foster new initiatives, policies and programs to better understand and address homelessness and poverty. Resource Type: Website
50. Let the War on the Poverty Line Commence (external link) Abstract: The poverty line should categorize families such that those who fall below it cannot adequately meet their basic needs, given what we know about human needs and prevailing living standards. Resource Type: Article
51. Living Wage Campaign (external link) Abstract: ACORN's website about campaigns for fight for a living wage… includes a brief history of the national living wage movement, background materials such as ordinance summaries and comparisons, drafting tips, research summaries, talking points, and links to other living wage-related sites. Resource Type: Website
54. More Hard Times for New York's Working Families (external link) Abstract: This brief details key statistics on NY's low-income families. It also provides several suggestions for what the city can do to help this group of people, as well as decrease the increasing numbers of poor people. Resource Type: Article
55. National Center for Children in Poverty (external link) Abstract: The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. Using research to inform policy and practice, NCCP seeks to advance family-oriented solutions and the strategic use of public resources at the state and national levels to ensure positive outcomes for the next generation. Resource Type: Website
56. National Poverty Data from 1959 - 2004 (external link) Abstract: This document includes data from 1959 - 2004 on Poverty Rates by race, female-headed household, children status, elderly status, geographic location, etc. It also contains data about the Poverty Line, including rates of families by race and Hispanic Origin above/below it, information on the work experience of the poor, and much more. Resource Type: Chart
57. Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project (external link) Abstract: NEDAP is a resource and advocacy center that works with community groups to promote financial justice in NYC's low income and of color communities. Website contains maps, editorials, policy and position papers, fact sheets, etc. Resource Type: Website
58. Nickel and Dimed; On (Not) Getting By in America (external link) Abstract: With some 12 million women being pushed into the labor market by welfare reform, she decided to do some good old-fashioned journalism and find out just how they were going to survive on the wages of the unskilled--at $6 to $7 an hour, only half of what is considered a living wage. So she did what millions of Americans do, she looked for a job and a place to live, worked that job, and tried to make ends meet. Resource Type: Book
59. NY State Data Center (external link) Abstract: Census 2000 contains a wealth of information for New York State and its sub-areas. This section contains data from and information about this census. Resource Type: Website
61. Percent of Women Above Poverty (external link) Abstract: From the Institute for Women's Policy Research comes a series of maps of the United States that visually represent the economic status of women based on 2002 data Resource Type: Graph
67. Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn (internal link) Abstract: Looking at new scholarly analysis, this article reports that Black men in this country are facing an even more dire situation than is commonly cited by employment and education statistics. Resource Type: Article
68. Poverty and Race Research Action Council (external link) Abstract: PRACC's mission is to generate, gather, and disseminate information on the relationship between race and poverty. The website contains original articles, publications for download, links to other sites, and an online copy of their monthly newsletter. Resource Type: Website
71. Poverty in California: Moving Beyond the Federal Measure (external link) Abstract: This report examines poverty rates in the U.S., and adjusts for housing costs, which end up making NY, Washington DC and California the poorest places in the country. The report also challenges traditional models of measuring poverty. Resource Type: Article
72. Poverty in the United States, 2001 (external link) Abstract: The Census Report on Poverty in the US. Includes current and historical data by age, race, worker status and experience, depth of poverty, etc., for different regions across the United States. Resource Type: Article
73. Poverty of Freedom or Freedom from Poverty (external link) Abstract: This course seeks to engage students in an intensive interdisciplinary study of freedom, prosperity, and poverty. In line with the objectives of the Freedom Project, this course engages in fair-minded and informed investigations that respect a variety of philosophical, religious, and economic approaches to the topics of freedom, wealth, and poverty. Resource Type: Syllabus
77. Poverty Trends for Families Headed by Working Single Mothers (external link) Abstract: his analysis focuses on poverty in families headed by single mothers who work. In recent years, large numbers of families headed by single mothers have moved from welfare to work. This report addresses the question whether and to what degree those who work have improved their economic situation. Resource Type: Article
79. Queers for Economic Justice (external link) Abstract: Through community speak-outs and panel discussions, QEJ works to bring issues of queer poverty and economic injustice into the spotlight. The website contains news and information about their work, upcoming workshops and events, and links to services for LGTB and poor people. Resource Type: Website
82. Radical Statistics Group (external link) Abstract: This British group believes that statistics can be used to support radical campaigns for progressive social change. Statistics should inform, not drive policies. Social problems should not be disguised by technical language. The website and their journal explore many social justice issues. Resource Type: Website
85. Rural Poverty Research Institute (external link) Abstract: The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) conducts policy-relevant research and facilitates public dialogue to assist policymakers in understanding the rural impacts of public policies and programs. Resource Type: Website
86. Six Strategies for Family Economic Self-Sufficiency (external link) Abstract: e project provides resources and technical assistance to community-based advocates and states on human resource investment policies to help move families out of poverty. The website contains strategies and proposals and a library of relevant online material and links, and seeks to connect the Family Economic Self-Sufficiency Project to a wide audience Resource Type: Website
87. Social Explorer: Interactive Map Page (external link) Abstract: This page contains an incredible mapping program. Start with a map of the U.S. Then pick a larger topic (such as race, income, foreign-born population, education) and then more specific categories (ie. % Hispanic, % Black, % White)… and zoom in on a state, county, or census tract within seconds. Resource Type: Website
88. Social Justice Contexts for Data-Based Projects in Algebra and Statistics (internal link) Abstract: This unit contains five projects about poverty, and teaches students to use multiple representations to analyze data. The projects engages students in answering these questions: What is Poverty? Who are the Poor? How is poverty related to school achievement? How has poverty changed? What can be done? Resource Type: Curriculum
89. State Policies to Assist Working-Poor Families (external link) Abstract: This report outlines a number of policy options that states could adopt to assist working poor families. The rationale for each option is followed by a brief discussion of key design issues and examples of states that have adopted these policies. Resource Type: Article
92. Taking Stock: Housing, Homelessness, and Prisoner Reentry (external link) Abstract: This report examines how those who have spent time in prison or jail fare in securing safe and affordable housing following their release and discusses housing programming and practice designed to assist them. First, the report discusses what is known about the barriers to housing for those returning from prisons and jails. Then, the report summarizes the proceedings from a one-day forum with experts in housing and corrections policy and practice. Last, the report highlights a number of promising housing programs available to returning prisoners and ex-offenders. Resource Type: Article
93. Taxes: What In The World Are You Paying For? (internal link) Abstract: Students will explore this essential question: if taxes pay for publicly benefitial programs, then how are they also a cause of poverty? This lesson covers a brief history of income taxes, explores the difference between regressive and progressive taxation, and the increasing ability for corporations to avoid paying taxes. Students also learn about what portion of their taxes are distributed to each governmental agency (including over 30% for the military). 1 - 2 hours. Resource Type: Curriculum
94. Teaching Economics as if People Mattered (external link) Abstract: Field-tested by a team of high school teachers, this innovative economics curriculum looks at the human implications of economic policies. These 21 lesson plans are designed to stimulate dialogue and encourage active student participation in the high school classroom. Also suitable for adult audiences and self study. Resource Type: Book
96. The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the Racial Wealth Divide (external link) Abstract: Why does the median family of color have less than a dime for every white dollar? The Color of Wealth exposes how people of color have been barred from government wealth-building programs benefiting white Americans. This uniquely multicultural economic history covers the asset-building stories of Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, and European Americans. Resource Type: Book
99. The Financial Returns to Low-Income Homeownership (external link) Abstract: This paper presents focuses on two central questions: what are the most important reasons why so many low income households do not hold a checking or savings account? Second, to what extent do households with bank accounts also participate in the fringe financial sector, and in what ways are unbanked households connected to the mainstream financial sector? Resource Type: Article
101. The Human Development Index (external link) Abstract: Published by the United Nations, this country-by-country index compares many factos including life expectancy, literacy, GDP, education, poverty, and much more. Resource Type: Data
102. The Lottery and Income Inequality in the States (internal link) Abstract: This article finds that state lotteries foster income concentration, and that states with lotteries have higher levels of income inequality than those states that don’t have a lottery. Resource Type: Article
103. The Power and Potential of the EITC in 27 Cities (external link) Abstract: This study looks at the effect that the EITC has had on different communities throughout the U.S. in terms of helping poor people. It focuses on these different areas as well as different types of jobs, family structures, etc. Also includes great maps of each region. Resource Type: Article
105. The Self Sufficiency Standard for the City of New York 2004 (external link) Abstract: This report looks at how much an individual, especially women, need to survive in NYC. It also looks at wages needed for self-sufficiency in different boroughs, and for women in different economic and family situations. Resource Type: Article
106. The State of Working America (external link) Abstract: "If you want to know what happened to the economic well-being of the average American in the past decade or so, this is the book for you. It should be required reading for Americans of all political persuasions." —Richard Freeman, Harvard University Resource Type: Book
108. The Wealth Inequality Reader (external link) Abstract: Twenty-five substantive, readable essays explore the hidden vector of wealth inequality: its causes, consequences, and strategies for change. Plus: an illustrated overview offers the latest statistics on wealth inequality in a series of one-page snapshots. The essential reader on wealth inequality, this book is a must-have for both the activist and the scholar. Resource Type: Book
109. The Working Poor (external link) Abstract: In The Working Poor, David Shipler examines the lives and societal forces surrounding those Americans who still live in poverty despite working full time. While many are mired in these conditions by their own poor choices, many are forced to this level by events they cannot control. Shipler combines both the larger arena of poverty in America with individual stories of those who will never make it out and those who manage to succeed. Resource Type: Book
113. Unemployment and Joblessness in NY City, 2005 (external link) Abstract: This article examines the other side of decreasing unemployment in NY - particularly what groups are still struggling and experiencing joblessness and poverty. Resource Type: Article
115. United for a Fair Economy (external link) Abstract: UFE raises awareness that concentrated wealth and power undermine the economy, corrupt democracy, deepen the racial divide, and tear communities apart. The website contains reports, fact sheets, cartoons, games, and a library on information on economic and racial inequities in our society. Resource Type: Website
116. US Census Bureau (external link) Abstract: The official government website for the US Census. It contains current and historical information on the US Population and current demographic trends, sortable by a variety of perameters including race, age, geographic location, nation or origin, job, economic status, etc. Resource Type: Website
117. US Census Bureau: Poverty Page (external link) Abstract: This is the main page for data from the US Census on poverty in the U.S. It contains information about the poverty line, publications on poverty among different demographic groups, maps, data sets, and much more. Resource Type: Website
119. Who Are Low-Income Working Families? (external link) Abstract: Over the past decade, national policy has emphasized the centrality of parental work in strategies to support low-income families. This emphasis is exemplified by the fact that the earned income tax credit (EITC), the nation's largest cash assistance program for low-income families, is available only to those who are working. It is natural to ask, therefore, who working low-income families are and how they are faring. This paper addresses these questions. Resource Type: Article
120. Who Gets the Child Tax Credit (external link) Abstract: A 5-page summary of the current statistics on the Child-Tax Credit. It also looks at the economic impact on poor families from this credit. Resource Type: Article
121. Who's poor? Don't ask the Census Bureau (external link) Abstract: A critique of the methodology used to measure poverty which argues that in fact many more people are poor than our current method shows Resource Type: Article
123. Working Hard, Falling Short (external link) Abstract: The Working Poor Families Project examines both the conditions of low-income working families with children and public policies that can help improve their lives. This report builds on that work and takes a broader look at low-income working families across the nation and key facets of an economic and public system that affect their ability to achieve economic security. Resource Type: Article
124. Working to Make Ends Meet: Understanding the Income and Expenses of America's Low-Income Families (external link) Abstract: This report clarifies the discussion and debate over what constitutes a low-income working family, documents the size and characteristics of low-income working population, and examines their incomes and expenditures. Using data from the 2002 round of the National Survey of America's Families (NSAF), we find that low-income families (income below twice the federal poverty line) with at least one full-time, full-year worker have incomes that are roughly in line with their basic expenses thanks to their work effort, earned income, and a generous refundable Earned Income Tax Credit; however, low-income families without a full-time, full-year worker do not appear to have enough income to cover their basic expenses. Resource Type: Article
