Places in Need: The Changing Geography of Poverty

Americans often picture suburbs as bastions of prosperity, with poverty and unemployment being rare. However, today, there are more poor people living in suburbs than in cities themselves. In Places in Need, Scott W. Allard explores how the number of suburban poor has nearly doubled over the past 25 years, yet this significant demographic shift has received scant academic or policy attention. Allard’s work underscores that addressing poverty requires solutions effective for both urban and suburban areas.

The book delves into extensive data from census records, administrative programs, and interviews with nonprofit leaders in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., revealing striking similarities between poor households in suburbs and cities. Suburban communities have experienced a rise in single-parent families, a decline in college graduates, and higher unemployment rates, leading to increased reliance on social safety nets.

Allard highlights the inadequacy of suburban safety net services, noting that these providers often lack the resources and support available to urban organizations. He argues for expanding federal programs like SNAP and the Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as enhancing community-based service provider capabilities through additional funding and capacity-building efforts.

With its comprehensive analysis and actionable policy recommendations, Places in Need offers critical insights into the evolving landscape of poverty in America’s suburbs.