Poverty in a time of Prosperity in North Dakota

There is one dominant story about North Dakota these days, and it is one of prosperity. 

Thanks largely to oil, savings and some decent financial planning on the part of our state, we are in the black while the rest of the country is in the red. It is true that we have the lowest unemployment in the nation, and one of the only state surpluses. 

But there is another, quieter story that is really only beginning to be told, and that is one of struggle and SOMETHING that comes with enormous change like we’re seeing in this state. 

 

There are infrastructure needs and environmental needs, and there are also very real human needs that are arising in our state. 

More and more people are relying on food banks, food stamps and free school lunch programs for their meals. 

The lack of childcare has forced many working families to make tough decisions about their home finances. 

And the scarcity of housing in the area – let alone affordable housing – is pushing many people out of their homes.