Here how we can fix the safety net, just a little

(And have a big impact). From the wonderful Talk Poverty, we need: More flexible funding for parents who face multiple barriers to economic success Better coordination among programs meant to aid the disenfranchised More accessible services that meet families where they are And thanks, Alison, for letting me steal this from you on Twitter.

Some kids going back to school tote $400 handbags

And some must use $1 glue sticks from the Dollar Store. The wealth and income gap — chasm — during the back-to-school rush, from the New York Times. Just one more way to tell the haves from the have-nots.

Time for a new approach to cash assistance

Twenty years after “welfare reform,” it’s time to admit that even small cash allowances can make all the difference in a child’s life. And thanks, Alison, for the link.

The middle class is not mentioned in the Bible

Read this thought-provoking piece by Ryan McAnnally-Linz and Miroslav Volf are the authors of “Public Faith in Action: How to Think Critically, Engage Wisely, and Vote with Integrity.” McAnnally-Linz and Volf explore politicians’ (all of them) focus on the middle class (which didn’t exist in Biblical times), at near complete exclusion of the poor (who did).

Ever hear of the Rev. Malthus?

He had some interesting views on people who are poor, and it appeared at last week’s convention that the Republicans embrace those views. I wrote this for The Hill.

Infant mortality rate is higher among poor babies

But you could probably already figure that out, huh.

Dear Speaker Ryan (and endorser of Donald Drumpf):

Here’s what it’s like to live in poverty, from an expert witness. From Tianna Gaines-Turner (pictured), of Philadelphia, who writes in an open letter to Speaker Paul Ryan: I did my best to share my story and those of others in my community, and then I had the opportunity to meet you.  As you reached …

#PovertyIsSexist

You can read why here.

Paris declares war on “ghettoes for the rich”

Public housing is going in some very affluent neighborhoods in La Ville Lumière. I think this is a capital idea. You?

So what means the “legitimate poor?”

(They’re also known as the “deserving poor.”) Leftover sends this, from TalkPoverty, one of my favorite websites with some links to some awesome documentaries. Stephanie Land writes: At Christmas time, the search for Oliver Twist goes into full gear. Many people get into the holiday spirit of giving and maybe tip their waitress a little …