Louisiana Misery

          If I could go anywhere in North America to document a social issue, I would go to New Orleans to expose the dismal living conditions experienced by Louisianans every day. Louisiana ranks highest in child homelessness at 68%. Although experts suggest that Louisiana’s extraordinarily high poverty rate has increased significantly due to Hurricane Katrina, the ridiculously high homeless rate should not be accepted.  Of the 204,053 homeless children, 85,702 are under the age of six – and are being forced to develop their personalities without a stable roof over their heads. The average single mother (two children) receives $475, which is 35%of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In situations such as this, the single mother can pay up to $142 in rent, which is $604 short of Louisiana’s Fair Market Rent (FMR). The majority of homeless people have not had the opportunities to purse higher education, and, if lucky, are left with only a high school diploma. Much of the employment that is offered to those with only a high school diploma is at a minimum wage income. Louisiana’s minimum wage is $6.55/hour. Those working at a minimum wage job would have to spend 311% of his/her monthly income on rent to live in an average apartment. Seeing as this is impossible, many become cynical about change and the possibility of ‘something better’. To reinstate my thesis, if I could go anywhere in North America to document a social issue, I would go to New Orleans.