America’s Poverty BusinessAmerica’s Poverty BusinessDraining Profits from the PoorDraining Profits from the Poor

A Collaboration between The Center for Urban and Regional Policy, Northeastern University

andSpy Pond Productions

America’s Poverty BusinessAmerica’s Poverty BusinessDraining Profits from the PoorDraining Profits from the Poor

A Collaboration between The Center for Urban and Regional Policy, Northeastern University

andSpy Pond Productions

Six half-hour documentary films and a companion web site --

a major research and public engagement campaign to curb

predatory practices in low income communities

The Problem: A Pipeline That Drains Money from the PoorThe Problem: A Pipeline That Drains Money from the Poor

Inflow: Hundreds of Billions Spent Yearly

Low Income Communities

Outflow: Predatory Business Practices

Every year, hundreds of billions of government dollars flow into poor communities to fight povertyEvery year, hundreds of billions of government dollars flow into poor communities to fight poverty

In FY 2006: $180.6 billion spent on Medicaid $32.9 billion spent on Food Stamps $37.3 billion spent on SSI $20.5 billion spent on TANF $6.8 billion spent on Head Start

Plus billions from foundations, corporations, charities, faith-based groups, and individuals

At the same time, billions of dollars are needlessly flowing outAt the same time, billions of dollars are needlessly flowing out

The poor pay, on average:

56% more for an auto loan26% more for a home mortgage43% more for a gallon of milk

Where the poor pay more(The sub-prime crisis is the tip of the iceberg)

Where the poor pay more(The sub-prime crisis is the tip of the iceberg)

Home Mortgages in general Easy credit/payday loans/check cashing Out-of-country remittances Education loans Food Car loans Insurance Health Rent-to-Own Items

America’s Poverty Business: An Effective Response to a Growing Problem America’s Poverty Business: An Effective Response to a Growing Problem

Through bold new research, powerful video documentaries, a companion website, and other media, this project will develop a toolkit to combat predatory practices in poor communities.

New Research: Build on recent studies to further analyze the issues and pursue an agenda for change

Media: Compelling personal stories that bring the problems into focus and provide models for action

Toolkit: Short video and web-based materials for public presentations and guides for speakers and activists

America’s Poverty Business: Project ElementsAmerica’s Poverty Business: Project Elements

America’s Poverty Business: Intended Audiences and UsersAmerica’s Poverty Business: Intended Audiences and Users

Classrooms (urban studies, public policy, economics, sociology)

Community and advocacy groups, town meetings, forums

Professionals (legal aid workers, social workers, community organizers)

Faith groups Lobbyists/public officials Legislators