Social Services Strained as Poverty Spreads in the Suburbs

A new report from the Brookings Institution examines how the suburbanization of poverty has changed the 100 largest metro areas in the country over the last decade. Non-profit groups serving the suburban poor have seen a staggering 73 percent increase in first-time applicants, and many are unable to offer new clients the relief they need. Many suburban groups also offer coverage to a wider service area than urban agencies, making it more difficult for suburban organizations to serve those in need as the suburban poverty rates catch up with the urban ones. One in seven of the suburban non-profits surveyed has been forced to cut caseloads, and one in five has reduced services.

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http://uspoverty.change.org/blog/view/poverty_sprawl_the_great_recession_settles_into_the_burbs