Unemployment Breeds Poverty in Nations Capital

Washingtonian Michael Kent Bolden, 24, stood outside the glass doors of Pentagon City Mall strumming his guitar and singing his heart out. The money collected with go towards his $70 cell phone bill. Bolden also has a job at Humility Outreach Missionary Ministries as a caretaker, but his paychecks aren't large enough to cover all of his expenses.

A select few days out the week and during the weekend, Bolden grabs his guitar and sings "Who You Are" by Jessie J and other selections at the mall, hoping there are few who can and are generous to give.  (this may can be deleted or moved up)

"When they announced there was going to be a recession I made the decision I was not going to participate," Bolden said. He now sings to make ends meat.

As the poverty and unemployment rates continues to climb and the cost of living increases, the economy made a decision for him. He is one of the nation's bulging poor class.

New data released by the U.S. Census Bureau states that the District of Columbia's poverty rate now ranks at the third highest in the country at 19.9 percent, behind Mississippi and Louisiana.  In a separate report released in early September, the Census Bureau reports 15.1 percent of all Americans were living in poverty last year.

Director of Defeat Poverty, a community anti-poverty organization, Joe Weedon said,

"If the poverty rate were adjusted to the living cost of DC there would be a lot more DC residents living below the poverty line. Right now there are a lot of people are at risk of following below the threshold of poverty. The official federal poverty line is set at $22,314 for a family of four, and $11,139 for a single person."

Bolden said although he is struggling, he is more fortunate than most.

"I luckily have a place to live rent free with a friend while others are living in shelters on the streets," he told the District Chronicles. "I have to continue to work hard and good things will prevail. It may be hard for me to afford some things but I have a job and others don't."   

According to the District of Columbia Primary Care Association, nearly one in five workers have a job that will not lift a family out of poverty.

Defeat Poverty is planning to launch a 10-year initiative to help put individuals back to work and out of poverty. The organization is bringing together leaders from non-profit organizations, community groups, and people from the religious and business communities to address the core causes of poverty.

"We plan to look at the indicators of poverty, those who are being held out of poverty because of government programs, and ensure that those programs are kept," Weedon said.

In addition to the organizations plans to examine the indications of poverty, they are also implanting a three-part plan: Make Work Possible, Make Work Pay and Make Basic Needs Accessible. Make Work Possible focus is on job placement and job training. Make Work pay will examine on the job benefits and compensation to get people out of poverty. Make Basic Needs Accessible focus is that residents have access to reliable transportation, affordable childcare, housing and things all the basic necessities are meet.

Along with the poverty rate, Washington has a 10.8 unemployment rate.  Defeat Poverty's goal is a 50 percent reduction in the poverty rate.

Earlier this month, the organization found an ally in Mayor Vincent Gray.  He has announced a One City • One-Hire initiative to put residents back to work.  One City • One Hire is an innovative strategy that will encourage Washington metropolitan area employers to commit to hire at least one unemployed District resident.

Supporting businesses and organizations of the One City • One Hire initiative include CVS Pharmacy, the District of Columbia Building Industry Assoc., the Hotel Association of Washington, George Washington University and many more. The number of employee hired thus far has yet to be announced.

"The One Job One Hire is one of many strategies we need to explore and if it's successful we need to duplicate it," Weddon said.  "It has the potential to be successful but it's only going to help a small number."

Tasia Majors, a sophomore Radio, Television, Film major from Norfolk, VA, isn't so hopeful. Majors has been searching for employment since 2009 and nothing has come her way.

"My mother helps as much as she can but it's hard to go out with friends and not have any money to shop while they do or not be able to get some of the things I need," Majors said. "I don't feel like anything is going to change anytime soon."