The month before September is always a critical time in a child’s life. School is about to start, and the child wonders what the new year will bring. They hope that they can find new friends, and they are excited to meet their new teachers. They are a little nervous, but also full of hope. But, for some children in the inner-city, they have an additional burden to worry about. For them, school is a constant reminder of what they don’t have: backpacks, notebooks, or even pencils. Even worse, instead of being excited to learn, they enter school, waiting to leave. They enter school, without the supplies or confidence to succeed. Now, with the rising prices of school supplies affecting families and educators, your help is needed more than ever.

A little gift, given with love and prayer, can change this child’s life and future. We see it every year in our PowerPacks program. People like you give, and a child is given a backpack full of pencils, erasers, glue sticks, crayons and rulers. They’re also given another precious gift: activity books, and other age-appropriate materials that introduce them to a Savior who, two thousand years ago, was born in a manger. Kids like Jessica are given the chance to walk on another path; a path which leads away from the violence, drugs, and poverty that they frequently see around them.

How does this work? For a short video of Here’s Life Inner City’s PowerPacks outreach, please click here. We get school supplies, including the bookbags, at a major discount, and through local churches, we distribute the PowerPacks to the children who need them, while building relationships with their families in the process. Through just one bookbag, many of these families have their lives changed forever by the love of Christ! However, none of this is possible without your help.

One way you can help out is by going to this link to give a gift. For the price of $29.50, you can make a difference in one child’s life. For the price of $59.00, you can help two children! Another way you can help out is by praying for the children that will be touched and churches involved in this ministry. As the school year is set to begin, we pray that you will join us in giving these children a reason to smile on their first day of school, and a reason to hope. Click here to make a difference today!

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

For many Americans, purchasing delicious and expensive Starbucks products has become a daily routine. One can easily spend $10 on a coffee and pastry. However, a quarter of the world, living in extreme poverty, has less than that to survive on in a week.  So, we thought we’d share a cool project with you.

In 2005, the World Bank defined “extreme poverty” as having only $1.25 per day (adjusted to $1.50 to account for inflation in 2011) to cover all food, housing, health, education, and transportation expenses. The Global Poverty Project (GPP) responded to this shocking fact by creating the “Live Below the Line” campaign. The initiative raises awareness about extreme poverty and challenges its participants to live with a food budget of $1.50 per day, for five days, from May 16-20, 2011.

“Live Below the Line” first launched on August 2010 in Australia. Fifteen thousand people signed up and nearly half a million dollars was raised. It gained huge media attention, which helped the movement quickly spread to other countries, including the U.S. in April. This year, the challenge will take place in Australia, the U.S. and the U.K. More than 10,000 people will participate and the international organization is expected to raise $1 million globally. The money will help support GPP and its partners.

“It is certainly a challenge to eat and drink off of $1.50 a day for five days, but for 1.4 billion people, $7.50 is all they have not only for food, but also for living costs, clothing – everything! ‘Live Below the Line’ highlights the challenges that over one billion people are faced with everyday and urges us to do something about it,” says GPP board member, actor, Hugh Jackman.

For more information on the campaign, click here. Or, to learn more about what Here’s Life’s doing to help the poor in America’s inner cities click here.

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

More and more children are being directly affected by the economic downturn and foreclosure crisis. Recently, Scott Pelley reported for CBS News’ 60 Minutes, that a record number of middle class families are experiencing homelessness and hunger for the first time.

The National Center for Children in Poverty estimates “nearly 15 million children in the United States — 21% of all children — live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level — $22,050 a year for a family of four.”  Unfortunately, “the poverty rate for kids in this country will soon hit 25%…the largest American generation to be raised in hard times since the Great Depression,” explains Pelley.

In Seminole County in Florida, Beth Davalos who runs programs for homeless kids, tells Pelley, “Our numbers go up every day. Between five and 15 new homeless students a day. When I first started this program eight years ago, homelessness lasted maybe two, three months. But now with it lasting three, six months, a year or two years, this is when children are developing who they are and their foundations is broken.”

When asked about how the homeless students were doing in Seminole County, Davalos says, “They’re struggling, it’s much harder. They’re more at risk for not doing well. They’re focusing on ‘How can I help mom and dad?’ We have so many students that want to quit school and go to work.”

According to the American Psychological Association, poverty can directly influence a child’s academic achievement, psychosocial outcome, and physical health.  Take, for instance, the disturbing fact that children who come from low-income families have a dropout rate that is 10 times the rate of kids who come from high-income families.

Children from low-income families are more likely to face poor nutrition, health conditions like asthma and anemia and a greater exposure to risky behaviors like smoking and sex at an early age (not to mention a higher propensity for engaging in said behaviors).

Unfortunately, millions of American children will continue to face these challenges, but there’s something you can do to get involved.  Here’s Life Inner City, a ministry within Campus Crusade for Christ, currently trains and equips churches in 17 cities. Here’s Life works to meet immediate physical needs, while also providing long-term development programs such as Holistic Hardware for life skills and WorkNet for career preparedness.

Currently, you can help provide children in need with Easter Bags.  An Easter Bag is a bag filled with candy, goodies and the gospel message.  Many times, these effective tools serve as a touch point and connection between children and families in need and restorative trainings and programs.  Click here to sponsor Easter Bags today or click here to find out more about Here’s Life Inner City.

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

While it may sound strange, a simple paper bag can help lead a child to Jesus, bring hope to a broken family and profoundly impact inner-city neighborhoods. How, you ask?

We have seen it happen over and over, year after year, through our annual tradition of giving “Easter Bags” to children in America’s inner cities.

Every year, volunteers fill white paper bags with treasures for children, including: candy, crayons, a toy, a colorful beaded bracelet that explains the plan of salvation and the “Urban Book of Hope,” a Bible story-activity book.

The results are astounding. We give these Easter Bags by the thousands to our partner ministries — literally hundreds of inner-city churches and neighborhood missions in some of America’s most difficult neighborhoods.

Then, they distribute them and share Jesus’ love and the story of His death and resurrection with the children of the poor — maybe at a special Easter event, sometimes door-to-door. As a result, we see miracles unfold.  Again and again, this small, simple expression of kindness opens the door for that child, and that child’s parents, to hear the Gospel. Here’s an example:

Last year, we provided Easter Bags (and crucial training) to Cynthia Smith, who directs a S.A.Y. Yes! after-school program with 20-25 children in Jacksonville. She and her team invited neighborhood children and families to an Easter event, promising an Easter Bag to each child.

In the end, eighty children showed up — many with parents! Cynthia and her team led fun activities, there were music and games, they showed a Christian children’s movie. Finally, Cynthia shared the Gospel and 15 children received Christ that day!

Twelve-year-old Jenny had never heard a thing about Jesus before. Cynthia was able to talk and pray with her, and then interact with Jenny and her parents together. They were thrilled that Jenny had accepted Christ.

Then Jenny opened up to them, for the first time ever, about the sexual pressure she was feeling. Her parents were deeply grateful to learn what she was struggling with, so they could guide and protect her.

Since that day, Cynthia and her team have followed up with all the children who trusted Christ. It’s only the beginning for these kids – the beginning of a whole new life. And it began with the promise of a simple gift, in a simple white paper bag.

This year, we’re praying that God will provide the funding, through friends like you, to share Easter Bags with at least 25,400 children in 13 cities. Every $75 given today will provide 10 Easter Bags to inner-city children this Easter. A gift of $45 will provide six. With time running out, we’re praying that you’ll join us in transforming lives. Click here to give Easter Bags to children in need today…

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

On Monday, Here’s Life’s Glen Kleinknecht appeared on FOXNews.com Live to discuss poverty in America and the work that Here’s Life is doing in America’s inner cities. Here’s the segment:

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

Prior to the economic crisis, Michael had a job at a country club and an apartment in New Jersey. He came to New York in hopes of finding work, yet he found that it was “tough here too.”  Unfortunately, he found himself homeless. Despite his misfortune he is “looking for a brighter future” and hopes “for things to change…hopes for the best.”

When asked what his three wishes were he said that he wishes he had a job, “a nice, big house” and he said, “I’d probably wish for three more wishes.” In spite of his social and economic issues it is good to see that  he remains hopeful.  Watch InvisiblePeople.tv’s interview with Michael (below):

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

The 2010 U.S. Census Bureau provides some startling insight into the plight of a citizenry in great need.  According to analysis, 40 million Americans and 15.5 million children are currently living in poverty; millions fell into poverty last year, alone.  These startling figures may forecast a dire future for generations to come.

Anyone who has studied poverty knows that it is a complex issue with a plethora of causes and effects at play.  Unfortunately, the impact of poverty is often most pronounced in the lives of our nation’s youth.  Marian Wright Edelman, the president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, has this so say in The Madison Times:

“The greatest threat to America’s national security comes from no enemy without, but from our own failure to protect, invest in, and educate all of our children who make up all of our futures in this global economy…[As a nation] we need to invest now in child health, early childhood development, and education. For today is tomorrow.”

Certainly, education and poverty have inherent ties and the impact that poverty has on children is profound.  Aside from the considerations we must make when exploring the impact of child poverty, another disturbing and related trend has been the flow of middle-class families toward becoming working-class poor families.

As the economy has languished many people who had little or no personal finance problems before are now facing economic struggles.  Prior to the U.S. recession, places like Long Island, N.Y. were deemed as being the “birthplace of the suburban American Dream,” according to Julia Cass, Children’s Defense Fund journalist.  Today, the tide has changed.  In a report entitled, “Held Captive: Child Poverty in America,” Crass writes,

“[Yet now] there are  families falling from middle class to working poor and from the working poor into poverty…and are living in motels, [where] food pantries are emptying, and outreach agencies are running out of funds to help with a month’s rent or an overdue utility bill.”

Many working parents are struggling to make ends meet, as they work feverishly to pay their bills and take care of their children. Cass interviewed many Long Islanders, including a teacher with three kids (one of her children has special needs) and an auto-shop worker (who is also a parent).

The teacher – once considered middle class – is divorced and is now considered part of America’s “working poor”.  Similarly, the auto-body shop worker has been forced to make sacrifices, including his daily lunch, in order to keep a roof over his child’s head and food on the table.  These adults, like many others, are working to their capacity, yet they are struggling to meet their families’ needs.

The 2010 U.S. Census Bureau results reinforce “the steepest rise in child poverty and the largest single year increase since the 1960’s” (Edelman).  Like many, Edelman believes that America’s current poverty problems pose a future socio-political threat to the welfare of our society.

Considering this information, what will you do to help “the least of these?”  Here’s Life Inner City offers a variety of programs and outreaches that seek to meet physical and spiritual needs.  Currently, we are preparing and distributing Homeless Care Kits to children and families in need.  Click here to find out how you can save lives through this essential outreach.  Also, be sure to leave your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

Back in November, Peter Schworn of the Boston Globe wrote that nonprofits in Massachusetts are reporting an unprecedented rise in human need.  This unfortunate increase in persons without adequate resources underscores the importance of Here’s Life Inner City’s planned city office and ministry activities in Boston.

With unemployment and underemployment ravaging the country and with falling wages, working families are earning less and facing higher costs. As a result, the number of individuals and families seeking assistance from the community has increased markedly.

According to Project Bread, the number of Massachusetts residents who are hungry or at risk of going hungry has jumped 20 percent in a single year.

Deborah Rambo, the president of Catholic Charities of Boston, reported a 30 percent increase in requests at its area food pantries. Rambo said of struggling families:

“They are no longer in a position where they can pay all their bills…they’ve been out of work. They’ve gone through their savings. They can’t just make it anymore.’’

Julie LaFontaine, the director of The Open Door, a food pantry in Gloucester, Mass. said requests for meals rose 22 percent between 2008 and 2009 and the demand is not waning.

The United Way has seen a 50 percent increase in calls to its Massachusetts help line, which helps people find assistance. The organization is receiving thousands of calls for help with utility bills and rent from families that, until the recession, had been self-sufficient.

Jeff Hayward of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, told the Boston Globe:

“People are walking through the door who never have before…A lot of times they don’t know what services there are or where to get them.’’

Ellen Parker, the director of Project Bread, also noted that the economy has impoverished thousands of newly poor families.  She pointed out in The Globe that “the percentage of Massachusetts children living in poverty has climbed from 10 percent in 2007 to 13 percent last year.”

The immediate and growing need is inescapable, and those struggling with poverty and those who help low-income communities are increasingly exasperated about the future. As John Drew, president of Action for Boston Community Development, an antipoverty group, articulated the question we are all asking ourselves:

“…how, as a country, are we going to help these people get on their feet and, in the meantime, help them survive?’’

Currently, we’re working to launch Here’s Life Boston.  It takes about $22,500 to launch a full-time Here’s Life Inner City ministry operation in a new city.  We’re trusting God to provide the needed funds.  If you’d like to help us, please considering giving today.  The need is immense, but so is the hope that lives can be transformed and long-lasting change can take hold.

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.

Low-income communities suffer from a plethora of problems that are largely absent in more affluent areas. Among these are high crime rates, lack of employment opportunities, crowded, underfunded schools, substandard infrastructure and transportation and lack of access to essential services. These factors mean that the residence of these communities must struggle with many additional burdens that other Americans live without.

One of the more insidious of these burdens is the disproportionate exposure to harmful environmental substances.  In the United States, low income neighborhoods experience more of all forms of pollution (air and water pollution, as well as toxic waste) than do neighborhoods that maintain higher levels of income.

A report entitled by William Nichols entitled, “Social Stratification of Pollution Across America: Analysis and Economic Perspectives” posits that “much of the evidence points to a pattern of disproportionate exposure to toxics and associated health risks among communities of color and the poor, with racial differences often persisting across economic strata”.

Kinds of Toxic Exposure

The three main forms of pollution these communities face are air pollution, water pollution and hazardous waste.These come from industrial sites as well as transportation corridors. These neighborhoods also assume a disproportionately large part of the solid and liquid waste treatment facilities and landfills which serve the community at large.

Why Low-Income Communities?

There are a whole host of reasons that polluting facilities and toxic sites tend to be present in poor neighborhoods. Some factors to consider include job location, household income, discriminatory housing and development policies, and a dearth of political power.

Many of the poor residents who live near polluting facilities include the low-income employees who work there. As William Nichols points out, “the minority and low income families that experience the brunt of the pollution in this country have become economically dependent on the industries that pollute their neighborhoods because many rely on the income to support their families.” Low-income workers do not have the resources to relocate as do many of the white-collar workers and management who make a living at these facilities.

With the mass exodus of industry from many American communities in recent decades, many former producers of pollution have shut down. While unused sites in more prosperous communities are generally quickly cleaned up and redeveloped, many toxic sites in poor communities are simply abandoned — and left to continue contaminating the surrounding area.

While low-income communities seem to be disproportionately selected to house site polluting and noxious facilities, there also seems to be a tendency for the poor to move in around these sites. Since hazardous sites tend to cause property values to go down and drive away those who can afford to move their families elsewhere, many poor people find that the only place in their city or town where they can actually afford to live are those devalued, at least in part, by neighboring toxic sites.

Additional Risks

A report released by Physicians for Social Responsibility points out that the bodegas  and corner stores that often supplement the lack of supermarkets in many urban centers can be problematic as well. According to the report,

“They stock baby bottles and canned foods manufactured or lined with Bisphenol A (BPA), and carry little fresh food. BPA has been associated with obesity, cancer, and many other health conditions.  Canned foods are a major source of nutrition and often the only source of vegetables in low-income neighborhoods. Urban residents are therefore disproportionately exposed to this ubiquitous packaging additive.”

These small stores also sell more lead-laden toys and jewelry containing cadmium, a known carcinogen that causes kidney and immune system damage, than stores in more affluent communities, according to the report.

In addition to exposure to industrial and commercial pollution and hazardous waste, poor communities generally have an older housing stock, which makes them far more likely to come into contact with toxic substances such as lead paint and asbestos at home, in school or on the playground.

Effects on Health

The disproportionate exposure to hazardous materials and pollution that residents of poor communities face can be seen most readily in the health of their children. Asthma, a condition which hits children particularly hard, is seen at higher rates in low-income communities. (Department of Health and Human Services).

In New York City children age 4 and younger who lived in low-income neighborhoods were found to be more than four times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than those in wealthier areas. (Gotham Gazette)

Disparities can also be seen in the case of lead poisoning. Childhood lead poisoning can come from a number of sources including exposure to lead dust, lead in water from lead pipes, lead in soil from decades of leaded gasoline use and ingestion of lead paint from peeling or chipped surfaces. Exposure to lead causes irreversible brain damage at very low levels.

In some communities, the problem is especially pronounced. In Detroit, where the poverty rate is a striking 36.4 percent, 58 percent of Detroit Public School students tested were found to have a history of lead poisoning. (Detroit Free Press).

These are just a few of the measurable effects of the increased exposure to harmful substances and pollution that many families in low-income and minority communities can not escape. The long term impacts of living next door to power plants, sewer overflow sites and industrial sites is harder to grasp.

While most everyone in America will surely be exposed to things that they would rather not be, low-income folks are much more likely to live and work in areas in which harmful environmental exposures are highly concentrated. And they lack the resources that would enable mobility and flexibility to seek more appealing alternatives.

Research and reporting for this piece was conducted by Shannon Hughes, a former intern with Here’s Life Inner City.

Here’s Life Inner City does not endorse the opinions presented in the documents, web sites, etc. we link to, nor do we endorse the organizations to whom we may refer/link to. All material is presented on this blog for the purposes of education and igniting discussion.