Understanding the Need
In the Southside of Baltimore, in zip code 21225, decades of neglect and disinvestment have gradually taken their toll on this once-proud neighborhood. Here, one finds the state’s highest incidences of poverty, incarceration rates, and teen pregnancies. Here, crime is rampant, and prostitution and drug deals occur in an open- air market. Here, the majority of housing stock is abandoned or derelict, with boarded-up and burnt-out shells lining the streets. In 21225, the problems are pervasive, and the needs are enormous.
Nearly 40% of the residents live below the Federal Poverty Level.
Our neighborhood is one of the most violent neighborhoods in America with a ranking of 4 (100 is the safest).
36% annual unemployment rate, compared to just 5% county-wide.
69% of children are living in single-parent households.
On the Hardship index—which calculates six socioeconomic indicators: housing, poverty, unemployment, education, income, and dependency—our neighborhood measures 76 (100 = most hardship).