People in poverty (<100% poverty threshold) in Massachusetts

When wages are low and incomes aren’t enough to afford the basics, children face significant obstacles to opportunity right from the start, and in some communities in Massachusetts, more than one out of every four children lives below the official federal poverty line. These children are more likely to be at risk for many long-term challenges. Children may be living in substandard housing, or may be exposed to environmental contaminants in the community or even in the home. Children may experience psychological stress from housing instability, or even be at risk of homelessness. Families may have limited access to affordable and healthy food. Families may struggle to get affordable high-quality child care. All of these challenges can have long-term impacts on children’s development and their physical and mental health.

When wages are low and incomes aren’t enough to afford the basics, children face significant obstacles to opportunity right from the start, and in some communities in Massachusetts, more than one out of every four children lives below the official federal poverty line. These children are more likely to be at risk for many long-term challenges. Children may be living in substandard housing, or may be exposed to environmental contaminants in the community or even in the home. Children may experience psychological stress from housing instability, or even be at risk of homelessness. Families may have limited access to affordable and healthy food. Families may struggle to get affordable high-quality child care. All of these challenges can have long-term impacts on children’s development and their physical and mental health.