In July 2012 the Associated Press reported that by the end of the year the national poverty rate would grow to 15.7 percent of the population, a number equaling poverty levels present in 1965 during the days of President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” and the “War on Poverty.”  …Some estimate that poverty is a problem for almost half of the American public.

Larry James, The Wealth of the Poor:  
How Valuing Every Neighbor Restores Hope in our Cities
 (Hunger * Health * Housing * Hope)

The Wealth of the Poor is a call to value every neighbor.  Even the neighbors (especially the neighbors) who are wealthy, but not in any monetary sense.  They may suffer from hunger, or health problems (with little or no access to health care), or housing difficulties (some may live “on the street).  But these neighbors are wealthy – in ways that money cannot “measure.”

The disparity in our society is overwhelming.  People who are poor frequently live in poor areas.  People who live in poor areas discover that it is more expensive to live in such areas than in better areas.  There are far fewer businesses, so there are fewer jobs.  Far fewer jobs!  There are almost no grocery stores, so they buy “food” in convenience stores.  And in convenience stores, food costs more.  And, there is very little “real food” at a convenience store.

And that’s just the beginning.

 “Why do we fail to see the people?” asks Larry.  It is reminiscent of the subtitle of David Shipler’s terrific book, The Working Poor:  Invisible in America.  It can be tough to see the “invisible.”
But Larry James sees them, knows them, respects them…  counts many of them as his friends.  This book is a call for all of us to do the same.

Larry James is the CEO of CitySquare (formerly Central Dallas Ministries) a remarkable nonprofit based in Dallas.  The goal of CitySquare is to “move as many people as possible from their current situation to self-sufficiency,” Mr. James stated in a year-end video update.

The book highlights the foundational principles that drive the decisions and activities of CitySquare:

• Neighbors cannot be treated as projects and disconnected from us as human beings

• Neighbors cannot be treated as problems

• Neighbors cannot be treated as “opportunities for ministry”

• Neighbors must not be seen as clients.  We call them neighbors.

• Neighbors must be trusted and valued as they are, for who they are.

The book is structured around a narrative + “principles” unfolding of what we can all do to help tackle some of the great social issues, one person and one neighborhood at a time.  The book highlights Eleven Principles:

1. Re-neighboring is fundamental to renewal  (live among the folks – be an actual neighbor)
2. With opportunity and resources, people can solve their own problems
3. Communities have adequate assets to initiate renewal
4. People don’t need me as much as I think they do.  (R.M. — the “helper” as “coach”)
5. Dare to Dream (and make alliances/partnerships everywhere – Public-Private; Corporate; Nonprofits)
6. Racial reconciliation is a prerequisite for genuine community renewal.
7. Partner or die
8. Communities must own change.
9. Community institutions must be revived
10. Hope boils down to people
11. To nurture hope, we must give everything we have

Mr. James recommends:

• that simple logic should prevail – it is “cheaper” and “better” to get a person into a “home of his/her own.”
• And — everything matters.  No one approach/program is enough – there really must be a comprehensive approach.

And here were my six takeaways from reading the book:

1.  Don’t give stuff – give money!
2.  We need prophets, table-turner-overs – who keep at it for a very long time!
3.  Problem – solution.
4.  These are people – with great wisdom and resources…
5.  Simple logic should prevail – it is “cheaper” and “better” to get a person into a “home of his/her own.”
6.  Everything matters.

Though The Wealth of the Poor is readable and understandable for any reader, the book does include a lot of Christian Scripture.  (Mr. James is a former minister, and his theology informs him every step of the way).  But his efforts are truly inclusive – all folks welcome.  And his nonprofit is not in the “conversion” business, but in the “people helping” business.  This book, and CitySquare, are equal opportunity “people helpers.”

And though the book chronicles the story of CitySquare, from its early small food pantry days to its current multi-location, multi-focused comprehensive nonprofit efforts, it is not simply the story of CitySquare.  It is a call to build processes, public policy, and services that can lift people to “self-sufficiency.”

Who should read this book?  Anyone involved in service to the “needy” among us; anyone who needs to be reminded that this struggle is a long-term struggle that calls for our best efforts.  Anyone whose heart has grown cold and whose eyes have managed to become very blind to the “invisible” among us could benefit greatly from reading this book.  This book will open your eyes, expand your heart, and help you make a difference in the lives of real people, in ways that matter.