Jim Guffey, executive director of South Hills Interfaith Ministry, which serves people facing financial troubles, knows certain communities seem immune to poverty. Yet, the number of people living within the middle- to upper-class school districts of Baldwin-Whitehall, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Keystone Oaks, Upper St. Clair and South Park whom the ministry serves each month has more than doubled to 1,051 during the past four years. At least 6,000 households in those districts are living at or below the poverty level, he said.Yep, another article about people losing their jobs or taking pay cuts, losing population, blah, blah, blah.
"They normally are not communities people associate with poverty," Guffey said.
Like this one: Lebo Citizens: 15228 drops significantly in median household income
or this one: Lebo Citizens: Why Mt. Lebanon has a budget problem
or this one: Lebo Citizens: Everything you want to know about your zip code
or this one: Lebo Citizens: Get to know our new school board director
The last paragraph in the Trib article is pretty scary.
"As you lose population and taxes, the school system becomes threatened," he said. "The ability to attract new families erodes, and it creates a downward spiral."So has it hit home yet? It sure has here. I said it at a school board meeting a year and a half ago. I think that is going to be the next poll on this blog. I scheduled the poll to close on December 7, the date that Josephine Posti says the bid opening is taking place. I hear it is December 14. Anyone else hoping the bids come back too high again?
1 comment:
Final plea for my Dress 4 Work project. Thankfully, the parishioners of my church as well as one blog reader have supported my cause. Perhaps those of you who are voting with more money than ever would help those less fortunate than you. Email me privately at EGillen476@aol.com for more details about Dress 4 Work. I will be wrapping up the 2011 drive next week. Thanks.
Elaine
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