Despite Strong Economy, Many U.S. Cities and Towns Still Struggle With Poverty

LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 16: George, who is homeless, panhandles along a street in Lawrence on August 16, 2019 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Lawrence, once one of America’s great manufacturing cities with immigrants from around the world coming to work in its textile and wool processing mills, has struggled to find its economic base since the decline of manufacturing. Despite a strong national economy, Lawrence, and many mid-size American cities and towns, are struggling with persistent joblessness, an opioid epidemic and a lack of affordable housing. While Lawrence is witnessing pockets of investment, many of its residents are facing economic hardship. Currently one-third of Lawrence's children live in poverty, 36 percent of residents receive aid under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and just over 24 percent of residents live in poverty. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)