Our nation is a land of stark contrasts.

In a country celebrated for its wealth, poverty is increasing. In 2003, nearly 36 million people – including 12.9 million children – lived below the poverty level.

In 2000, America's richest county, Marin County in Northern California, reported per capita income of $44,962. In our country's poorest county, Starr County in Texas, per capita income in 2000 was $7,069.

Wealthier communities have more of everything: housing, government infrastructure, employment opportunities and even retailers. Poverty-stricken areas lack such basics as food, clothing, education, transportation and healthcare.

In addition, people living in desperate conditions often are cut off from day-to-day social interactions. In poverty-stricken communities, there are few role models pointing to less stressful times and rosier futures. “Life is not one of endless possibility, but rather limited options.”

Source of Statistics: American Fact Finder, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census.