The Annie E-News

Amid Economic Upturn, Nearly 12% of Kids Live in High-Poverty Areas

In a new data snapshot, the Casey Foundation reports that more than 8.5 million kids are living in concentrated poverty, despite a long period of national economic growth.

The snapshot explores how children’s race and ethnicity — and their home state — can affect their likelihood of living in concentrated poverty. It also shares steps that leaders at the federal, state and local levels can take to help families in these communities thrive.

“Solutions to uplift these communities are not far out of reach, and they would have significant positive effects both for children and youth and for our country as a whole,” explains Scot Spencer, associate director of advocacy and influence at the Casey Foundation.

Learn how concentrated poverty affects kids and families

Now on CaseyCast: Staying Local to Enhance Equity and Innovation

What’s happening with American cities?
Why is real estate ground zero for racism in our country?
What role does the private sector have to play in supporting equity?

These questions — and many more — are answered in the latest episode of CaseyCast, a podcast hosted by Foundation President and CEO Lisa Hamilton.

In this episode, Hamilton chats with Ben Hecht, the president and CEO of Living Cities — a collaborative of 18 philanthropic and financial institutions focused on improving the lives of low-income people and the cities they call home. Their conversation explores the collaborative’s local focus and how it’s working to reduce poverty, drive innovation and promote equity and inclusion in urban communities across the nation.

Listen to Hecht’s interview on strengthening American cities