The Great Depression take 2

The New York Times published an interesting article about the rise of tent cities throughout the United States as poverty rates continue to rise: Cities Deal with a Surge in Shantytowns

The article describes the desolate situation is that a growing concern as the economy sinks further into the recession, which is shantytowns. These towns spring up on the sides of highways and under bridges, and has even prompted local governments to move them onto fairgrounds. These towns area direct result of the growing rate of homelessness and foreclosures which have left families with simply no other option but to move to the streets. Poverello House, a non-profit, has taken to building 8x10 storage sheds for homeless families to use as shelter. Although they are not luxurious, they provide a roof, light, sleeping bags, and cots in the Village of Hope efforts.

The problem with these Shantytowns is the vast array of problems they cause the city in terms of infrastructure and the correlation to drug and crime rates. They also pose a problem as there are severe health concerns that go unnoticed and unaddressed. As we discuss social entrepreneurship, this article made me think about the void that is present in the market. There is no one catering to the needs of these people and not many people willing to reach out like the Poverello House organization. Why should these people, many of whom used to have well paying jobs and lives, be completely forgotten? Our flawed system has led them to this state of poverty so it is the job of the system and social entrepreneurs to pick up the pieces and fight.