It seems like it’s becoming harder and harder to survive in the margins of society. The conditions are more severe and the margin keeps getting larger. Still, we need to hang onto hope.
To be specific, in the last 20 years the median income for households with less $30,000 in income fell by 12%. Remember, if a person works 40 hours per week for 50 weeks of the year at $15 per hour, that results in an income of $30,000 before taxes. During the same time period, reports show that renters in every state, across all income levels, have seen their rent burdens increase. For example, according to the U.S. Census Bureau approximately 50-60% of households with income below $30,000 spend more than 30% of their income on rent. These figures, of course, can fluctuate based on economic conditions and geographic location. According to additional Census Bureau data, low-income households spend approximately 20% of their income on health-related expenses, including premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and other health care expenses. These same households spend about 10-15% of their income on food. And just to make the challenge a bit more daunting, child care costs have risen almost 30% over the past five years.
Add it up. In a best case scenario of being able to work 40 hours per week for 50 weeks, basic physiological and shelter needs will consume 60-70% of household income. And these figures don’t account for transportation, education, clothing, child care, etc. Is it any wonder more people are unhoused, uninsured, living on the margins, and losing hope.
In the last nine months, the conditions have significantly worsened. The Federal Government is slashing jobs, Medicaid, SNAPS, and the EPA. In addition, some government agencies have proposed reduced funding for programs like Section 8 housing vouchers and federal educational grants, which could lead to fewer people benefiting from these services.
The questions are, how did we get here and how do we turn this around? Where is the hope?
It’s not like these issues haven’t been addressed for hundreds of years by famous philosophers and diligent public servants. Let me share two books I recently read that helped me frame my thinking on these issues and gave me some hope that individuals and communities can make a difference. The first is a book by A.N. Wilson on Goethe. The second is a book by Kirstin Downey entitle, The Woman Behind the New Deal, published in 2009.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) was a towering figure of German literature and philosophy, renowned for his remarkable ability to harmonize the realms of science and poetry. Throughout his life, Goethe exemplified a unique balance between rational inquiry and mystical insight, weaving together empirical investigation with a profound appreciation for the spiritual and emotional dimensions of human experience. He understood that we are all part of a whole.
Goethe’s scientific pursuits, especially in fields like botany, color theory, and morphology, demonstrated his dedication to understanding the natural world through observation and reason. At the same time, his poetic works, notably “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” explore profound mystical and existential themes, delving into the depths of human longing and the unseen forces that shape life. This dual engagement with science and mysticism reflects his belief that true knowledge encompasses both empirical facts and intuitive, spiritual understanding.
His ability to blend these seemingly contrasting disciplines influenced future generations of thinkers and artists. Goethe’s holistic approach challenged the strict rationalism of the Enlightenment by emphasizing the importance of emotion, intuition, and mystery. Philosophers and scientists alike began to consider not only the limitless possibilities of human potential but also the inherent risks of “compromising with the devil.” Goethe’s work implicitly warns of the dangers of sacrificing ethical principles or spiritual integrity in the pursuit of knowledge and power.
What I particularly liked about the book was how Goethe combined a pioneering vision of a balanced human pursuit—one that values scientific discovery and poetic insight equally. It struck me that our current administration values neither science or poetry. Still, the book gave me hope in the possibilities that science and art provide.
Francis Perkins (1880-1965) was a trailblazing American politician and social reformer, renowned for her pioneering work as a woman in the realms of government and social policy. As detailed in Downeys’ book, Perkins’s career was marked by unwavering dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Americans. She served as the first female Cabinet member in U.S. history, holding the position of Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, where she championed reforms that transformed labor relations and social welfare.
Her enduring contributions changed the landscape of American labor and social policy. Her ideas became resulted in federal policies for unemployment compensation and the forty-hour work week, and against child labor. Her diligence and moral courage empowered her to challenge entrenched interests, resulting in tangible improvements in working conditions and the creation of systems that safeguard the well-being of all Americans. As the head of Immigration Service, she fought to bring European refugees to safety in the United States in the 1930’s and 1940’s, i.e. she saved a lot of Jewish lives.
Perkins’s legacy illustrates how a single individual’s resolve can foster vast social change, ensuring dignity and security for future generations. Even though she has somehow slipped into historical oblivion (gosh, I wonder why), her inspiring example gave me hope.
Another hero of mine, Abraham Maslow (1908-1970), was an American psychologist who created the hierarchy of needs starting with basic physiological needs and moving through the aspiration for self-actualization. He stressed the importance of focusing on the positive qualities in people, as opposed to treating them as a “bag of symptoms.” My condensed summary of his hierarchy is:
- Physical: Food, water, shelter
- Safety: Security
- Love/Belonging: Connection and community
- Esteem: Respect and recognition
- Self-actualization: Purpose and potential
All of which brings me to the situation we are in. The extreme nature of these new conditions has created a profound psychological shift for people on the margins. Now, instead of asking, “how do I maximize potential for gain?” the question has become, “how do I minimize loss?” Indeed, attitudes have started to change from optimizing to enduring. Instead of figuring out how to approach the best possible scenario, people are foundering about how to avoid the worst.
Somehow we have to find a way to believe there is light beyond the reach of this shadow darkening our paths.
Fortunately, my work with local agencies (as well as my practices) instills me with that belief. Not only does Traverse City have one of the best restaurants in the country (Modern Bird), it also has several of the best public service organizations in the country. I will highlight the three exemplars that are real shining lights: one for housing, one for health, and one for hope.
Housing: Goethe reminded us that everything is interconnected – we are all part of a whole. Ashley Halliday-Schmandt, Director of the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, has brought together community leaders representing every component of a comprehensive system to address all the factors impacting a person’s ability to prevent homelessness, get housed quickly and briefly if they do become homeless, and stay housed once housing is secured. Under the auspices of the city and county government, Ashley has formed a task force consisting of three workgroups which conduct research and make recommendations related to safety and services, day and night shelter, and supportive housing. These workgroups consist of people who are directly involved with people who experiencing homelessness. The workgroups report their recommendations to an advisory team consisting of leaders throughout the region in government, police, mental health, social service, housing, business, and neighborhoods affected by homelessness. The advisory team processes information provided by the workgroups and consults with Ashley and her team to fine tune the recommendations. Finally, a leadership team consisting of the city manager, the county supervisor, a philanthropy coordinator, and homeless service representative meets to prioritize the recommendations and make resource allocation proposals to the appropriate public and private funding sources. The strength of this initiative is that it is based on the interconnectedness of each component and recognizes that every person, neighbor, and organization is an important part of the whole system. That gives me hope.
Health: Francis Perkins inspired us to come together for the common good – to provide a basic safety net for those among us who are struggling to survive. Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of FLOW Water Advocates, leads a team that is focused on protecting and defending the largest source of freshwater in the world. Polluting and poisoning that water are the biggest long-term threats to our health and safety. Without clean and accessible water, none of us will survive. FLOW’s mission is to ensure that our water is healthy, public and protected. Her team pursues this vital mission by serving as a think tank, a litigation power, a public advocate, and an environmental educator. Our water has never been under such severe environmental threats at a time when our government has never been more divided and dysfunctional, in a culture that seems utterly incapable of thinking about the long term consequences of our actions. FLOW’s strategic priorities are to defend the Great Lakes, build public trust, protect ground water, and end factory farm pollution. The FLOW board and team are advancing this cause by bringing together public and private advocates who are committed to the common good. That gives me hope.
Hope: Maslow taught us that what motivates people is a desire to be loved, respected, and valued – to optimize our potential and pursue a purpose beyond sacrificing ourselves for a paycheck to meet our basic needs or to satisfy the insatiable needs of the rich and powerful. Glen Chown, CEO of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, has devoted 34 years of his life leading and inspiring an incredible team of staff, volunteers, board members, and donors to love and value the land on which we live. His team has protected about 50,000 acres, created over 125 miles of trails, and preserved over 150 miles of pristine shorelines in Northern Michigan. At the Conservancy, the organizational culture is valued almost as highly as its mission to “protect significant natural, scenic and farm lands – and advancing stewardship – now and for future generations”. Over many years of dedicated effort, the organization has cultivated the values of respect, excellence, inclusiveness, generosity, leadership, teamwork, communication and integrity. These are not just words on the wall. They are cherished, challenged, and cared for in the day-to-day operations of the organization over decades of paying attention to what matters. The end result of all that effort has been to create hope in our community that people can make a difference and a real sense of trust that whatever contribution is made to the organization will be well stewarded. This is what happens when people are loved, valued, and respected.
Speaking of hope, I hope these exemplars of the past and present will inspire more interdependent leadership in more organizations. I’m hoping more organizations, private and public, can come together for the common good. Finally, I’m hoping that more people will:
Open their hearts
And hear the stories of people on the margins
Open their minds
And see the threats to our health from multiple sources
Open their souls
And feel the hope in working together for the common good
May it be so.
P.S. If you need an inspirational message to rekindle your hope, watch Famous Last Words with Jane Goodall.
