Poverty

Michigan has endured six straight years of job losses -- the longest stretch of employment loss in the state since the Great Depression, say University of Michigan economists. Michigan's unemployment rate in December 2007 was 7.6% (Detroit Free press, February 2008). Over 80% of youth coming to CHM are unemployed.

Among the nation's 50 largest cities, Detroit has the second highest poverty rate for youth under age 18, with 46% of children living below the federal poverty line.