Our Community

Our people

The East Jerusalem area is a neighborhood of about 1,600 people situated within a larger urban area of some 100,000.   It is defined by railroad tracks on two of its boundaries and an industrial scrap complex on a third.  The community is largely African American (over 80%) with a small minority of Whites (16%) and Hispanics (2%). Hispanics are the fastest growing segment but the Census may not adequately capture the numbers.   Most residents are between the ages of 18 and 55 years (65%). Elderly, with over 50% disabled, make up about 9% of the population and have typically lived in the neighborhood for all or most of their lives.

 Our strengths:

 Many people are long term residents in the community, often living in their mother's or grandmother's original home and attend one of the three close local churches. The isolation imposed on the community due to lack of transportation has had the positive outcome of encouraging people to get to know each other and many neighbors report that they have been able to get by through difficult economic circumstances, in part, through support from neighbors. Many of the disabled residents have additional time to become involved with work in the community.

 Over 80% of residents live 150% below the poverty level and face many daily challenges associated with living in a poorer community, including lack of transportation both public and private making it difficult to work. The median family income in 1999 (probably lower in 2010 Census due to economic recession) was $19,224 as compared to a national median income of $50,046.   There are no stores (including grocery stores) and few local gathering places. Many of the houses are abandoned or deteriorating and some of the exisiting physical buildings have environmental problems including asbestos.   There are a lack of local health services and access to resources.  All of these factors have a relationship as well to high rates of obesity and diabetes.

 Our community for all ages: