Income inequality: Hunger down the block from wealth

The income inequality between Bridgeport, CT and its neighboring towns is striking. Raised on food stamps, one mother is determined to break the cycle of poverty for her family.

[@carmendee6481]

I never grew up on food stamps or welfare. I went to College and had a great job. I was a paralegal for 8 years. My boss passed away and unfortunately the firm I worked for shut down. It’s been 5 years and I cannot find a job as a paralegal because I’m over qualified & they rather hire someone fresh out of college & pay less. It’s frustrating. I took any job at this point which is working as a makeup artist. This woman was a teachers assistant & lost her job. Some of you don’t realize how hard it is to find a new job. I know lots of people with college education, with great job experiences & have lost their jobs & cannot find work. She’s trying the best she can, she’s already at her worse so why say negative comments. And another thing, for those saying she should’ve kept her legs closed how many married people who have kids have gotten divorced & decided to leave & forget their kids. How many married men have cheated & have gotten their side piece pregnant. Fathers & mothers who have died & unfortunately left kids behind. You don’t know this woman’s story.

[@rachaelbrennan11]

I’m getting really tired of hearing that education is the key to getting out of poverty. While it can certainly help at an individual level, realistically there is no guarantee that you’ll end up with decent paying work simply because you have a degree, a fact made clear by the number of Uber drivers with college degrees. But more importantly, education cannot be a solution on a societal level. If I snapped my fingers right now and gave everyone a PhD it wouldn’t change the fact that pizzas need to be delivered, toilets need to be cleaned, and the people who do these jobs deserve to have a living wage no matter how well educated they are. The solution to ending poverty must start with a $15/hr minimum wage, preferably coupled with a federal jobs guarantee.

[@rachaelbrennan11]

Well, I agree with half of your statement. Someone working at McD’s shouldn’t make as much as someone doing heavy lifting in a warehouse or a caregiver changing adult diapers, but the problem is that those jobs should be paid significantly more than $15 an hour, much closer to $22-$25 or more. The people who earn $25 an hour doing complex financial/administrative work and the like should be earning more than that, closer to $30-$35 an hour. $15 an hour should be the baseline earned for work at the lowest rungs of the employment ladder because it is about as low as you can get and still have a living wage. Everyone’s wages across the board are too low (save for the CEOs and highest ranking employees within most corporations as they often earn literally 1,000 times as much as their average employees) and all of us who aren’t billionaires would benefit from a significantly higher minimum wage.

[@jakem4722]

Jessie Jay yeah! Let’s let the government decide who gets a $15 minimum wage and who doesn’t. Just get rid of minimum wage and it would be 10x better

[@crystalmorton9500]

I have a diploma in medical billing and coding, had a job as a billing specialist that lasted for two months before getting outsourced to India due to a company merger, took me a year and a half to find a job. I took a two week class to get my security "D" license(unarmed) and I make $10:30/h at 32/h a week, it's not enough to afford a $600 apartment here in Tampa, FL. So ya, the struggle is real!

[@lorm.3153]

R. B. The government does not owe you anything it's up to the person that they are having 4 kids I would never think of having four kids you have to think ahead of time the rent the education for the kids the clothes the food Etc Just because you have an education doesn't guarantee high-paying job. She has four kids doesn't she get something for each child that she has which should not be. She's the adult she needs to act like it and think like an adult. Nothing is owed to you in life .

[@magicpony9]

Honestly, you know what? I really try not to judge struggling people any more. The decisions they've made in the past, how many children they have, what goes into their grocery cart, what they feed their children. Everything I'm reading in these comments. I truly have no idea what this woman's life is like from a six minute news segment. And neither do any of you. Best of luck to her and her family in the future, dealing with a difficult situation. God bless.

[@Tata-iu3fy]

the world needs more people like you

[@NICOLEcONHeyThereYou]

Well said!

[@marialoudis1905]

I wish her the best. I also hope that she stops having children. Those babies deserve better.

[@HDdancebabe]

magicpony9 Your comment was Awesome you actually had some compassion for someone else without causing hurt or harm. If she was rich and spoiled the kids she would be attacked as well in the comment section.

[@NUBIANS2009]

Who cares what her life was like. She gave birth to a litter of kids and it is not Americas responsibility to fund her irresponsible lifestyle. U can't believe people like you feel sorry for shit like this.

[@tatianachavez7290]

she seems like the sweetest woman that's just having a hard time. she's a great mother.

[@Soulsweetinc1]

Tatiana Chavez thanks

[@ishanbansal3560]

Tatiana Chavez her wages are stagnant

[@Soulsweetinc1]

Arky Bald Knobber. Lol hey there buddy. Yah bless you. Im sending a big ol hug your way.🙏🙏🙏😊😁🌷📦

[@michellehitt1976]

Mercedes Velasco.. Your doing a great job taking care of your baby's.. I pray the Lord blesses & keeps y'all safe💯😍😍

[@googlejones9733]

Why is the system responsible? That’s the problem. The parents and only the parents are responsible

[@__gemoftheeast]

Sad. That's one thing I never want to hear my child say, "Hate where I live cuz there's too much gunshots." I grew up in that kind of environment, gunshots every night. But I will make sure my child never endures that. Its just so sad

[@cl1ckbat358]

NO RASIM U NAZI

[@nikkikelley2390]

Grace Ntihinyuka it's reality in any city atmosphere I have it here too

[@bet8467]

Nikki Kelley Gunshots aren't a reality in every city.

[@MegaAli213]

Grace Ntihinyuka indeed dear sister, and that's why we have to comprehend sacrificing for our children's future. This is all by political design, it's no mistake. We need to learn how to get back to family and community, that's where our strength lies, and is what held us together for centuries.

[@Marika50]

Honestly Bridgeport really does suck. They have shootings and stabbings on a daily. There was a guy who got shot last year right in front of the hospital.

[@coloramber2517]

Im glad to see she at least got another job since she lost the assistant teacher job.

[@lovleylady7]

Although she's made some mistakes, she's doing the best she can. I applaud you Mercedes. Love, light, and good luck to you and your beautiful babies

[@tom11zz884]

Doing her best may not be enough.......

[@Soulsweetinc1]

Thank you.

[@JorgeRivera-hi4li]

whats your story?same boat?taking it personally?

[@zitawillingham4391]

Where the hell are the baby daddy

[@farfetched9296]

Busy re-populating the world turning another woman's life upside down...as women we need to make better choices in men honestly and enjoy singlehood

[@warrenmorphis4208]

zita willingham He's where all kids' of divorce...death....spousal abuse....break- ups are.....

[@ManyMannyMan]

@@farfetched9296 amen sister

[@TheDonna1959]

Exactly!!!

[@zusiphesikayi2390]

@@warrenmorphis4208 exactly, and sometimes when they say single parent often they don't specify of fathers pay child support or not

[@autumnrose1998]

Say what you want about her but I really love the fact that she makes sure healthy food goes on the table. Not a lot of moms in her situation do that.

[@debbiepotter6413]

It is not healthy. Far from it

[@heinygoon9453]

it isn't healthy, and they're putting up a front for the cameras. She and her children are overweight and unhealthy...like she may be feeding them fast food a lot. Guarantee she probably barely cooks

[@AWorksCSGO]

To break the poverty cycle, having four kids isnt a good start

[@deekay7594]

Shut up

[@AWorksCSGO]

@@deekay7594 lol have a cry

[@deekay7594]

@@AWorksCSGO stay soft, a wimp ;) LOL

[@AWorksCSGO]

@@deekay7594 ? english please

[@deekay7594]

@@AWorksCSGO ef u softmale.. that's all u get lol.. overeducated generation so slow these days lol

[@august21xp]

its not income inequality its ignorance, people get an EDUCATION and end the cycle and stop being LAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

[@august21xp]

Thats fine, but educated people dont go around having kids they cant afford, I woudl rather have a phd and work as a bartender than worry about my child's next meal. So are you implying that certain people shouldnt get an education , to accomodate those who already have one,, please

[@marialoudis1905]

It's a fact that the more children in a family, the higher chances of being in poverty. On another interview, she stated that she " blames herself for making poor choices." You think.

[@tishatittle1010]

My mom had gotten 2 degrees and it didn't improve our lives one damn bit. Did NOT equal a better job at all.

[@razojacqueline]

That sucks. What degrees were they?

[@nameuser4406]

I'm starting to hate that phrase income inequality. You can't blame crime on income inequality. You can't blame your horrible life choices of income inequality.

[@ImprovementisGrowth]

Cute, well behaved kids now that is a blessing. I don't think her kids will continue the cycle.

[@merys333]

I cannot comprehend how if you’re struggling with one kid why have four?

[@pipsch12]

OK, she doesn't have a lot, but she obviously has enough food to be obese. I don't judge obese people, but you can't create a title like that... that's not the face of hunger. That's the face of overeating or making really bad dietary choices.

[@lulu-cv8nd]

she has a house with furniture, running water and power and she has enough food to eat to make her and some of her kids overweight.. she has a lot..

[@CrystalLoren]

+Lulu comments thank you both for your brutally honest comments!!!! People need to realize this, she is better off compared to a lot of people working their asses off. fuck this news story, more than half of the people on government assistance get more money for living than people who work and are not on it!! i have seen it myself, working in retail, the shit that people on government assistance buy. 30 bags of candy etc. or trying to sell the stamps for money, or buying all junk food. this is coming from someone not on assistance, who works but grew up in a household with 5 other children and a single mother who never wanted to work amd mooched off of the government and was content doing so. all of my aunts and uncles did the same, all of their friends families fid the same. when i worked in retail for over 8 years, the same!!! fuck handouts. i am a college student that is sucessful and beat many many odds. my GPA is 4.0 and i am finishing a double major. i have been poor, and seen poor choices around me my entire life. however i am not lazy, i am intelligent and chose not to fall into the trap that everyone is so comfortable falling into. i am engaged, going to be married to the love of my life this July, happy, 22 and in great shape at 120 pounds. i am expecting to have my first and only child that was planned for nearly a year in Dec. and I am a manager in retail and make decent money. once i finish my degrees i will make even better money. all of my accomplishments are mine to claim. nobody helped me.

[@CrystalLoren]

+Lulu comments thank you both for your brutally honest comments!!!! People need to realize this, she is better off compared to a lot of people working their asses off. fuck this news story, more than half of the people on government assistance get more money for living than people who work and are not on it!! i have seen it myself, working in retail, the shit that people on government assistance buy. 30 bags of candy etc. or trying to sell the stamps for money, or buying all junk food. this is coming from someone not on assistance, who works but grew up in a household with 5 other children and a single mother who never wanted to work amd mooched off of the government and was content doing so. all of my aunts and uncles did the same, all of their friends families fid the same. when i worked in retail for over 8 years, the same!!! fuck handouts. i am a college student that is sucessful and beat many many odds. my GPA is 4.0 and i am finishing a double major. i have been poor, and seen poor choices around me my entire life. however i am not lazy, i am intelligent and chose not to fall into the trap that everyone is so comfortable falling into. i am engaged, going to be married to the love of my life this July, happy, 22 and in great shape at 120 pounds. i am expecting to have my first and only child that was planned for nearly a year in Dec. and I am a manager in retail and make decent money. once i finish my degrees i will make even better money. all of my accomplishments are mine to claim. nobody helped me.

[@pipsch12]

But you can thank your family for being such bad examples because it obviously made you extremely motivated.

[@CrystalLoren]

+sam that it did Sam. In addition being placed in foster care was the biggest blessing although I didnt see it right away. i was only able to be this successful and constantly strive for perfecting my life after being COMPLETELY alone in this world. After a lot of pain and not having anyone. I didnt have mommy and daddy like many others, or a car paid for, Or clothes other expenses etc. I had to and will ALWAYS work for me and mine. More people need to get off of the fucking pitty pot, stop feeling sorry for themselves and eating themselves into a coma and DO something about their lives!!! But its always easier to play the blame game and make cop out excuses isnt it. I am dedicating my life to Psychology and Communications for this reason.

[@meshn8699]

Family planning please. Poor kids

[@cathyzhang2769]

Her apartment looks nicer than mine inside. I do not get food stamps from government, have to pay everything out of the pocket myself.

[@rebeccafrost5542]

Book Snake it's not affirmative action. It's low income. Research NYCHA Bland housing, in flushing, NY. It's 98% Asians. This one is in flushing, Chinatowns. They also have them in diverse ethnicities communities. Jews occuply many on Staten Island. If you r average family of 4 living off under $40,000 u can apply. Single is $25,000 and under.

[@rebeccafrost5542]

Book Snake kzbin.info/www/bejne/nobHq6KVjdhkodk Bland houses r at 4:20. Projects. Asians do work hard. However, some r poor. We have poor whites, Arabs, Hispanics and Blacks. Projects r for poor. Get urself an America's education. I live in low middle income/working class. Whites, blacks, Hispanics, Vietnameses and Indians. It's nothing to write home about. The projects look better here but people don't want to deal with the violence. We don't have much violence. P.S. Bland houses, flushing, NY aren't violent. Asians r busy and peaceful. Also whites and Asians get section 8. So don't spread lies. I know I work for the dept. Of housing. Lol.

[@thinderellaedwards1365]

Lea Topcap, In Williamsburg, the Hasids all collect welfare and food stamps, . It’s not just POCs.

[@farfetched9296]

Having a nice apartment don't have nothing to do with being on govt assistance....it's how you dress it up and view it. You don't like your apt do something about it

[@warrenmorphis4208]

@Deletea Hoffensteader Yeah....as we've seen in the history of the white man all over the world since there WAS a world.....

[@aron8659]

there is no society in the world where a single mother can raise 4 kids with abundance without a man or a good job

[@CosmoMakeupgurl]

This is why I tell women do not have kids!!! 28 and no illegitimate children...Thank God!

[@johngrey1074]

Well... you know you can have legitimate children with a faithful, loyal husband, right?

[@CosmoMakeupgurl]

George Foreman I do and I think I found him. Fingers crossed!!

[@N0body247]

Education? Not on the sense this video shows. If college was key then every person with a degree would be rich or even have a job. Its not in the education system. It's having a financial mindset to know the difference between assets and liabilities. You need the RIGHT type of education. You will never be in poverty if you buy assets with your income. How do you make more money.. buy more assets. The issue is people waste their money on STUFF.. 20 here 50 there.. most waste a min of 10 percent of their income to things they dont even remember. Then complain they need more money.. no.. you need to learn to spend the money you make in a better way.

[@LiveSnoopyTV]

Life's not that easy for everyone man. Just buying the right assets doesn't guarantee your road to success. Curve balls hit some people harder than others, never judge someone till you hear their full story.

[@N0body247]

Actually it is easy. Our minds trick us into thinking its hard. Go to the library and check out financial books. Read them and then do what they say. People are broke because they don't save money. They don't save money because they were never taught why they should. Some Seek knowledge Like me and are always learning, and others have to be told what to do. She is obviously not content being in that position.. but she's not doing anything about it for if she was the news would not have exploited her for this program. Yes Exploited meaning they made money off the program but the woman that the program was about got nothing for it. You can't build an empire if you never build the foundation. First you have to DECIDED you want an empire. Then you have to learn HOW to build it. It's not a matter of income or lack of one, its all about the decisions you make. Decisions come first, Then the money, then the empire. And back to your statement Yes actually it does, Every asset you have means you will never be broke. Assets are the path to financial freedom. You come in this world naked and alone, and you go out the same way, The only difference between how you come in and how you go out are the choices you made while here.

[@LiveSnoopyTV]

Raver Magik But not everyone get's the luxury of making every major decision in their life, unfortunately outside influences do have an affect on peoples lives. In the ideal upbringing of a person they would likely be able to freely make the decisions they would want, however this world isn't painted perfectly and every person has a different story. Maybe for the majority what you're saying is correct, but for the other side not so much. Take a few steps in another mans shoes and talk to the people in poverty to see how they ended up there, you might be shocked to hear it's not because they didn't go to a library and read a book on finances.

[@N0body247]

Hmm lets see, I came from a Broken family in poverty. My family life was so bad I would be beat and tortured by my brother, My mom and step dad were both drunks. My family struggled every month to pay their bills, not because they didn't make the money but because just like their income they never PLANNED anything. They spent money as soon as it comes in. Their habits costed them their wealth and their health. As I got of age and got my first job I did the same thing, Until i met a local millionaire. He drove up to my work and i had the luxury of helping him carry out an item to his car. As we talked I told him what i wanted in life was to retire early, He smiled and said eh retirement means shit if you don't have the income for it. He gave me his card and left. I called him and asked him if he would have lunch with me, i had some questions. That day changed my life. He told me, the rich are not smarter per say, we just do things differently. Like planning, and we are better money managers. Did you know The rich plans 10+ years out. So they plan to buy a building today In 10 years. So they never saved for anything. Think of it this way. Christmas is the SAME time every year. But every year people struggle to buy presents and stuff for their family. If they saved 1 dollar a day. they would have 300+ dollars by the time christmas comes around. Same thing for birthdays and such. He taught me that its not the income that matters, rather what you save from it as well as what you spend your money on. Habits cost money, Drugs, drinking, all the way down to the coffee a person drinks daily all impact your wealth. The wealthy understand this, So they plan big expenses over 10 years, as well as they monitor their habits and change them if needed. Im not rich by any means, however Im not struggling any more either. He told me the more you learn the more you earn, and if you learn something and become a master at it you can charge a premium for it. I run my own business now and My wealth grows every day. I dont look down on poverty because its where i came from. However I do despise their mentally that they think they cant change and it is what it is. When you learn more, you instantly change. Because you have more knowlege to work from than you did before. If I taught you a skill like baking.. Are you or are you not more valuable in your own life because you can do another job. Every skill you learn allows you to access more money job wise or business wise. I have been studying wealth for 20+ years now, I dont know it all, but i am WAY more valuable than when i was 17 and broke.. My situation changed because I changed. I changed because i received more knowledge. Now i dont plan 10+ years, but i do plan 3 years out, as well as I have 1 goal.. and every day as long as i am getting closer to my goal I know i am moving in the correct direction. Its not about your income stream. Its how you manage it and the knowledge you have or don't have will either make you a slave to money or make money your slave.

[@katytorres6437]

+Raver Magik I totally agree with you I'm a young mom and me and my husband are both into what you just said . we don't have alot of money but instead of saying we can't afford something we think how can we afford it . there is always a way .

[@JT-dt4lq]

"we are all human, brothers and sisters" LOL The biggest lie in the world is: Man was created equal... FALSE!!! Some ppl make better decisions, are smarter, are more athletic, taller, shorter, more suited to certain careers and on and on and on with all the differences. Funny how we are supposed to just accept everyone and their differences... yet we are all the same???!?!?! WTF

[@bobbysmith1136]

ON FOOD STAMPS AND STILL EATING BETTER THAN ME ALL I EAT IS EGGS AND RAMEN LIKE A TRUE BROKE PERSON

[@fender1000100]

Bobby Smith You dont have to eat that all the time. Black gram is cheap and super nutritious.

[@conservativeliberal4435]

Margaret Norvell absolutely if you can’t afford to buy stuff then you cannot make babies plain and simple!!!

[@hairlesscat6407]

Bobby Smith samee

[@ssbailey2369]

Eggs are expensive wish I could buy that

[@terrymartin4234]

Are you on section 8. Whats the program your on called?

[@brandonr.5625]

this video made me be thankful

[@ZachandBri7]

Where are the fathers at?? How could any man leave there kids high and dry?

[@Landis_Grant]

Perhaps she couldn’t get along with her lover(s) so she booted them to the curb.

[@candyskullzzz440]

When the girl said the motorcycles are to loud I thought she said, the mother fuckers are to loud

[@bonedee4859]

😂💀

[@RayRaySD941]

She most likely does every day. She is mixed with half beast genetics

[@LilPoopsie]

She grew up like this, so she decided to have 4 kids and raise them the same way.. okay

[@johngrey1074]

It's because she inherited the irresponsibility, short-sightedness and laziness that her parents had.

[@Soulsweetinc1]

Very Wrong but ok. Im actually a licenced massage therapist and run 2 businesses now. Still struggling, Sure but such is life. I left the childrens dad cause i didnt have time for that mess. And im not about to go into detail. But my thing is if you don't want to be in your childs life that's on you. Don't come rolling up when they're are a success which my children most definitely are with the vast knowledge i drop on them daily. You heard that my son said he wants to be an entrepreneur that means makes jobs not takes jobs. Amen

[@Soulsweetinc1]

Miranda Berry o didnt decide to have four kids. It happened. And i wouldn't change a thing. Im not where you think i should be im exactly where i need to be. To learn what i need to learn and move on.

[@bet8467]

Mercedes Velasco Kids don't just 'happen'.

[@JK20239]

@@Soulsweetinc1 so all 4 kids came from the same dad? If so, ok. But not, you tried 4 times to get it right..

[@Captain-Sum.Ting-Wong]

Interesting. I've lived in one of those "wealthy towns" for most of my life, and even though we know how bad Bridgeport is, I really never knew it was this bad.

[@jojokedina9397]

I have one kid but damm 4 I can't do that

[@1eql844]

Omg yes like this women just makes bad decisions! Only 1 child will be enough for a genuinely good person! She obviously enjoys keeping others down with her... 4? And ur poor? Smh sounds just like a shit faced person I no longer acknowledge as my sister SMH the bitch is Looney

[@Shayladeans]

Red Sunshine why fucking mad? 💀

[@troypeters6348]

This woman needs to find birth control

[@GioAyala12]

I was so poor. i slept on the floor for a year and couldnt even afford to pay attention to my surrounding. Now i live in a nice neighborhood with a big ass expensive bed. Dont matter where you came from but where youre going.

[@diegoduran9509]

Same. I slept in the floor from 9 - 19. But, it's impossible for everyone to make it. Especially with the gap.

[@DingoXBX]

I ended up the opposite way

[@drewskilevi2826]

She needs to leave Connecticut ASAP wages are much lower for uneducated people in that state while the cost of living is high .

[@shibaplays]

+Annie Fung I bet she's saving up. Hopefully at least

[@Captain-Sum.Ting-Wong]

+shiba plays These people don't save. They have no understanding of money.

[@jossyjohn1050]

Everyone needs to move to either TX, Florida or the South where the cost of living is much more affordable, where the northeast, it's a huge mess.

[@carlgharis7948]

@@shibaplays saving what?

[@caridadrevilla2439]

​@@jossyjohn1050 your comment on this was 5 yrs ago. FL is full now. Everyone from the West Coast and East have moved down here.

[@NOCDIB]

She has wonderful children and it seems like she has a good heart but 4 kids with the possibility of multiple baby daddies was a poor personal choice.

[@sweetladyleslie]

some of these comments are totally ridiculous! may God bring you and you family out of this Mercedes. when he does remember to help others who battle the same struggle

[@Soulsweetinc1]

Leslie Browne thank you. Amen. I receive it.

[@thetruthhurts599]

+Grizzly907LA News, Politics and opinion. I understand your frustration. People like Leslie make excuses for this type of irresponsible behavior. As she said she grew up on public assistance, so she should have been extra carefull with her vagina and not have 4 kids at the age of 31. I'm sorry, maybe I'm cold hearted but I have no comprehension for women like this. She has 4 beautiful kids. I'm sure she knew she was struggling before she had the 3rd and 4th child. it takes nothing to have a kid and everything to be a good parent. keep your cunt closed, stay protected and there will be no need for abortions.

[@gatormcklusky6274]

Why didn't they interview the 31 year old, single mother of 4 in Trumbull?

[@matthewwaskosky9242]

Don't have 4 kids as a single parent

[@maryanngonzalez1817]

Wasko Gaming I'm sure she chose to be a single parent. Couldn't have anything to do with the father being a deadbeat.

[@regularity2556]

Mary Anderson Well maybe the first one, even two, but how do you have 4?

[@maryanngonzalez1817]

Regularity Maybe she had four kids with the same man and then he left her? Even if she's made bad decisions it doesn't negate the fact her children suffer.

[@regularity2556]

Mary Anderson She's never been in a position to be having 4 kids. And, the reality of life is that kids suffer the consequences of their parents bad decisions. It's all on her.

[@arkybaldknobber8062]

That's how this swine makes a living...having kids and collecting welfare.

[@KingCamo90]

Still pushing that college trap I see.

[@cateyes97]

CAMIZKiNG Absolutely! Student loans contributes to poverty as well.

[@SuckerPunch92]

Yup

[@solointheburbs]

Say that. College is a scam

[@wolfpackflt670]

unless you go to a trade school then you could land a decent paying job and actually pay back the loan.

[@tylergnosis2581]

Agreed

[@heyheyhe0011]

This country so great, when you fail as a human being, the government pays. And pays you more if you bring more children to this world. You see what the problem is now?

[@tamparedd813]

Still a Fantastic mother regardless of the circumstances. 👍😊

[@tom11zz884]

Her kids are growing up in poverty and will have very little opportunities for advancement in life. That is not being a good mother....sorry.

[@tamparedd813]

Being a good mother has nothing to do with being rich or poor. There are more financially stable mothers who are crack heads, pill poppers, and alcoholics than there are mothers like her.They put on for the outside world, but the home life is f**ked up and so are the children. There are plenty of opportunities for underprivileged teens to attend college and make a future for themselves regardless of the mistakes their parent/s made.Not everyone who grows up poor has a sorry mindset.Atleast she is not scheming the government for help. There are more whites on welfare and commiting welfare fraud than any other race in America.

[@Soulsweetinc1]

Thank you and God bless.

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

One thing I learned when we were on a low disability payment and food stamps is we ate ONE really big meal each month when we got our food stamps and then made everything else to stretch out the rest of the month.

[@adagregerson8393]

Where are the kids dads? Child support ?

[@brittneymoreland1610]

ada gregerson I have three kids and in 10 years I have gotten a grand total of $60 child support. I've since thrown the card away because I don't want to keep hoping for anything!! Ha! Jokessss

[@carlgharis7948]

Could be in prison. But let's factor in 1) these kids dad's probably have no so great paying jobs themselves if they are in our society 2) they are likely to have kids by other women besides her so 3) the child support taken must be distributed to all women involved if #2 is the case. The most they can garnish is 34%. So even if all these kids do have the same dad let's say he manages to get paid after taxes $1,000 month just to make the math easy the most she'll receive is $340 and that's assuming he's only impregnated her and no other women. BUT it's likey NOT all the same father and these men are likely to have impregnated other women besides her. If a man has shit for brains and he's stupid enough to have 6 different kids by 6 different women. Well assuming he's actually in society as aposed to in prison he's NOT likely to have a job that pays that well. So he manages to net just over $1,000/ month. $340 a tad more. That must then be distributed amungsed thoes 6 different women from the child support agency. So do the math each woman ends up with about $60/ month.

[@MRkriegs]

​@@brittneymoreland1610why u giving it up to bums?

[@alondramorales6950]

it’s been almost 6 years now. i hope they’re doing ok.

[@Antzy0001]

But don't student loans and a spotty job prospects continuing the cycle of poverty also?

[@Noeruiz1990]

Poor kids. I grew up similar to those kids except my mom didn’t qualify for assistance and it was 6 of us. Now I value a dollar and want to give my kids what I wished i had.

[@mojojeinxs9960]

Hunger is not being over weight. Poverty is not a nice home. Yet I see a over weight person living in a nice clean home. And a new baby. Crying she is poor.

[@conservativelens]

If you don't have a husband, you don't have children. If you can't support yourself, you don't have children. Yes, there is divorce and job loss due to a # of issues, but you don't get pregnant when you know you can't take care of a kid.

[@letinhsong8024]

OMG, the home she is living in would sell for $400,000 here. That is POOR? PLEASE! And they had tons of food. What is poor about that family? On a side note, the 12-year-old, Jonathon, was a sweetheart. And yes, kids say they're "hungry," especially adolescents. That doesn't mean they're not getting enough food. Kids that age are just bottomless pits, but they don't need to eat as much as their mom does! Get real people.

[@KPlyf]

@@artisticlion9218 what for? Not being able to control libido?

[@adelelawal2351]

Have you ever considered the fact that poverty is relative. A poor man in one geographical location would be considered rich in another.

[@carlgharis7948]

They obviously DON'T own the house

[@troypeters6348]

Having lots of kids will make you poor no matter we’re you live..don’t blame society it’s been that way forever..I hate how these poor people blame everybody but themselves

[@lindatallon9217]

Where are the dad's? This is a sick society to raise kids Bully's pedophiles

[@Norcalwtr]

Don’t have four kids if you can’t take care of them. Taxpayers shouldn’t be burdened with feeding these people

[@williamdemaray8103]

The only way to stop poverty is to educate our young to not have children to early get educated and move where there are jobs

[@bademoxy]

it's called FREEDOM to make your own CHOICES, folks. don't expect others to pay for your bad life choices!stay in school acquiring marketable skills and putting off pregnancy until marrying a responsible partner.How is this hard to understand?

[@walkerb1734]

2:06. “The only difference between us is how much we have in the bank”. WRONG. You spit out 4 kids early in life before having your financial life in order. The woman doing the interview focused on education and establishing a sustainable life trajectory before having children. There are rules of life that can not be taken out of order. #1) Education - develop a skill, trade, or base of knowledge that is capable of providing financial reward. 2). Work hard to differentiate yourself in your career and become invaluable to your employer. 3). Begin to build your “financial house” - live well within your means and save instead of consume. THEN, and only then....4) Focus on your personal life. Find a good partner, fall in love, get married and have 1 or 2 children. This woman ignored the rules of life and now she’s paying the price. Nothing can help her at this point, I’m sorry to say.

[@victoriajo5683]

I completely agree with everything you just said! Me and my husband have been together a little over 10 years I'm 28 now we had our 1st child last year we waited because we weren't ready!!! Everything you said should be taught at school but its not it's the complete opposite of everything you said. So sad

[@ann-marievassell3268]

Really good comment, totally agree, the life trajectory 'plan' was devised to make life easier not harder than needs be x

[@mt.n5427]

Exactly! Why don’t these BS documentary ever find someone on welfare who’s been responsible with their life decisions and just had a short-term accidental need. If you grew up on welfare, then as a woman, keep your legs closed, push through with work and school, save money before popping out kids. I’m so sick and tired of having had my parents, now me, and then my kids having generations of these people leeching off us..

[@carlgharis7948]

Next to nothing EXCEPT maybe winning the lottery is to really advance her unfortunately. Is why we need to fix both men and women after 1 kids is born. We can't allow you to have anymore. Kind of like we give you a license to operate a vehical. Obviously we must take that away if you do so while intoxicated

[@heidithaw1072]

Good you have everything figured out. Everyone does not. That does not mean she cannot change things. I know someone in similar circumstances who raised three kids. The youngest is a Senior. One is in college the other works full time. Don't be so judgemental.

[@christienscheepers2915]

She is not HUNGRY for sure !

[@fabrizio483]

"31, single-mother of 4"

[@JeiBurke]

That girl is so cute and the mom is a badass. I love when she said "education"

[@michellewilloby8448]

Single more of 4? She's not starving.

[@carlgharis7948]

Yes but low paying jobs with unlivable wages cost us money in food stamp. And this situation on top of the fact we need livable wage job we also need educate males to STOP breading

[@nikitagu7428]

she and her kids appear in other videos with different background story "like she was a teaching assistant got laid off." I don't know what to say

[@Captain-Sum.Ting-Wong]

Care to share those videos with us?

[@Captain-Sum.Ting-Wong]

+Yourtube User Okay? They made a series of videos about her and her kids, and it is all consistent.

[@roseimmad3079]

HOLY SHIT ITS TRUE LOL

[@prncessbaby16]

She Could have been a teacher's assistant and gotten laid off though. She works from home now.

[@DevilsGiants-do6vb]

I wish only the best for this woman and her children. Stay strong, Mercedes. It’s terrible how you can live in the richest state in the nation and still be so poor due to no fault of your own. I can sort of relate, although I grew up middle class and not poor, I grew up in one of the wealthiest counties in New Jersey, but in a mixed, working-class town with a much lower median family income than the rest of the county (and most of the state, for that matter). I went to a private high school in a nice neighborhood that my town paid for (I was extremely fortunate to be able to go there), and many of my friends and the other students there came from wealthy backgrounds. But we still got along very well, which was awesome.

[@chiragdesai3462]

lol

[@bitcoindaddy1]

What does having children have to with income inequality? Inflation is the problem, wages are not catching up. This is one of the results of debt base money system.... Remove govt from the ability to leverage the central bank and end handouts to Corp America and whine down entitlements programs... Let the people decide.

[@XxJUSTCUPIDxX]

+Hermand Lo with no skill or education she set her self up to raise 4 kids it cost about $61,530 year. thats not the systems fault thats the parent who made a choice to bring in those children fault

[@skyking6989]

becuse children are extremely expensive. Youd be suprised how well you can live on a small income without children. Im 31 with no kids and had a visectomy at 29. No "accidents" or a woman baby trapping me

[@googlejones9733]

Misleading title. This is not income inequality, political bias. False Bias. Abesentee fathers and irresponsible mothers. You can’t continue having children in poverty and label it inequality. Personal responsibility. Make better decisions. I feel bad for the children being brought up hopeless. They are being taught you can’t do better, it’s the Government responsibility to take care of you.

[@sarwarjahan4669]

This is the problem with our society, it’s easy to get pregnant, not enough preventative programs for teenagers, not enough encouragement and support from family for going to college, too many divorces, too many single parents. It’s hard without both parents. Americans should be concerned about these situations, rather than wasting time in Middle East. Less military spending and more social benefits needed in this modern work, or you are heading toward third world country.

[@SapphireX413]

I don't understand why people continue to have children when they can't afford to feed the first one, or two, or three. At what number of children will they realize it is not sustainable? 5? 8? 16?

[@ihave35cents95]

+Beckah Mataronas because she gets a raise for ever future welfare rugrat she downloads.

[@SapphireX413]

+ihave35cents I know women get more money for each child they have, but not nearly enough to actually provide for their needs.

[@ihave35cents95]

Well when do we hold them to the fire ?Why do i have to pay to feed her kids?They all cry about inequality but they subject me to the same thing as they make ruthless decisions with other peoples money.That's a bad citizen.

[@OUTSKATE69]

+Beckah they do not plan to have kids or they could before a unseen event happens like being laid off or injury or death. they get paid depending on the state around 50 - 100 which is not enough to be self sufficient. its not like thy are lazy. the income inequality is causing it to be harder to get out of poverty and easier for the rich get richer. look at Richard reich for more about that.

[@sweetladyleslie]

Beckah Mataronas smdh😠 you've missed the point

[@sandrahodges2431]

I’m confused, not judging youbut where is the dad? Did u chose to have 5 children without having a way to provide for them.its the same ole thing, we r left to feel sorry for the women and the kids. What will u do differently to help ur children stop producing welfare dependent children. Where is the dad or dads, they helped make these babies , beautiful children, where r they now!!!!

[@twilliams842]

How we talking about food when the mother nothing mind 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@sarahwaters8262]

Huh?

[@justmy2abelincolns272]

I didn't come from poverty but I sure as hell didn't have as great of a mother. Mercedes is a lovely woman and her kids are very blessed to have such a loving, strong mom.

[@kitteekittee4010]

I can tell shes a good mom and shes trying the best she can, godbless her and her beautiful kids

[@butterflygirl3359]

Income inequality? I live in an upper-middle class area and we don’t have families with no father and four kids here. We wait to get married before we have kids and then have two or three tops if we can afford to after being forced to pay for other people’s government assistance. Many women in my town suffered through grueling and expensive fertility treatments because they delayed childbearing into their late 30’s after they had established their careers and purchased homes where the schools were high quality. We are all human beings who make choices. The income isn’t equal because the personal responsibility isn’t equal.

[@Surfer041]

Ding ding ding ding ding, we have a winner! That is a spot on post!

[@reneaclark222]

Such a strong and amazing mother ❤️

[@sirsleeplezz744]

Well ..she has enough food thats for sure 🙄

[@OnanX501]

I really don't wanna like this comment...😂😂😂

[@roo8919]

Man U cold

[@tristanmason9301]

The cheapest food in poorer areas and most available is unfortunately fast food. That's the biggest misconception people have about those who are overewight and poor.

[@anneliselim602]

@@tristanmason9301 fast food is actually not cheap. Groceries and cooking at home is cheaper, but then again she's a single mum so she probably don't have time to cook

[@videogameboutique2196]

You're ignorant... Being obese and poor has to do with the quality of food, than the portions of what a poor person eats. Poor people don't have the luxury or white privilege of eating healthy foods, being they're more expensive than cheaper foods that don't yield any health benefits. This is the reason why poor black people are more obese than rich or well off white people. When white people can afford to buy organic food, opposed to high processed fatty foods, they're going to be healthier.

[@sellmav]

Um...she doesn’t look hungry to me...😬

[@aprilwhite3914]

She's a good mom with the sweetest children ❤

[@mikescarlett3186]

Alright ok. Food stamps, welfare,section 8, Medicaid, free school lunches, the food bank,wic, the welfare bus.other free stuff. Free breakfast at school. Come on! Child support.

[@Jonathan-uc7do]

She dont look hungry

[@not6709]

3:18 Grew up on government assistance, knows what it is, yet had 4 kids at 31yrs old that appear to be from at least 2 different fathers. What am I missing?

[@farahjoseph]

Not 670 Why are you judging her? She seems like a good mother. She’s doing her best. You don’t know the personal lives of others. Before you judge make sure you’re shit is on point. Sweep in front of your own porch. Stop sweeping hers.

[@tylergnosis2581]

Lol good point

[@kirstymccafferty9252]

May God bless you and your children 💗 may he keep you all healthy strong in self and faith and your bond with each other, be happy you are not alone 😊

[@arp5546]

These people aren't hungry. Those food stamps must feed well. She and her kids are far from skinny. Just saying.

[@lisayos]

The government is the husband. Where the hell are the baby daddies? The fifth kid will be another career move $$$ in government assistance for sure.

[@atinyworldofdimples9865]

I love the little girl with the curly hair she's so cute

[@marcorenteria5245]

Being poor is a mindset!

[@autumnrose1998]

🙄

[@neobandit9134]

She needs to keep her clothes on. She struggles due to her choices. She doesn't have any skills that would help her make money she is poor due to her choices. Everyone that is poor has made poor choices and they don't have skills that employers need. Also those who blame others don't want to take responsibility for the choices they have made. little advice you will never get rich by working for someone else

[@randy109]

In the USA the poorest 80% of the citizens possess about 7% of the Wealth. Whatever happened to the Middle Class? Most poor people in my family or circle of acquaintances actually work and many work a lot harder than I do. My job is stressful but "clean" and I make over triple the Minimum Wage. I know people that are paid a dollar or two above the Minimum Wage and work damned hard in nasty, almost slavish jobs. American INEQUALITY is probably our greatest shame. We have plenty of money but how it is dispersed is shameful. Per capita GDP is about $54,000 but the average family of four lives on about $65,000. 90% or our created Wealth goes to the top 5% of our citizens. What is wrong with this picture??

[@AngiesDoingIt]

65,000 a year? Where is that at? I live on less than 18,000 a year, no food stamps, with two kids, I own my home, but without the pantry to supplement food, I would starve or have to ask friends for help. Take Chicago, people were blaming everything on illegal workers, but shouldn't you blame the people who hired them? The media is the most brainwashing thing out there. People say Black people should get a job, but since this is a sanctuary state, employers rather pay under the table or minimum wage for hard labor jobs, so they were not hiring young Black men or women, like they use to and would only hire illegals or HIspanics. Go to a job where they have temp workers, they are mostly Black, I go sometimes, in between jobs. The trend was so popular, that a lot of young people stop trying to get jobs at McDonalds and other teen related jobs, because they knew they would be turned down, especially if the manager was White (Hispanic) They stop trying. Now more jobs are opening downtown and a lot are working now. I used to do deliveries for the majority of the kitchens downtown Chicago and Ravenswood. No Black cooks or sous chefs in any of the kitchens. Yet we have the largest amount of Black culinary students between Kennedy King and Gordon Bleu. Where are they working? or are they graduating and going home, and ending up on welfare.

[@mbaysden2747]

The middle class is right here. I am upper middle class and I live in the US.

[@mbaysden2747]

I don't know how you do it Angie & thumbs up on your post!!!

[@arkybaldknobber8062]

You and Karl Marx have a lot in common.

[@peppapig1972]

Some of those statistics are misleading. America having more than it's share of billionaires doesn't automatically make the rest of the country poor.

[@Dillerbas]

Having 4 more children might solve her problem.

[@kmcl11]

+Dillerbas lmao. Education in her culture is not really valued. they will outnumber you. they value lots of babies

[@briannaq5777]

+Dillerbas not all mexicans have kids young without highlighting education. you never see whites living off assistance on tv but they account for more than 40% of the ones living off food stamps. I am latina and go to university, my parents both graduated from one. but the media highlights minorities living off assistance. The perception you have of my culture is a sterotype, educate yourself.

[@lisabaltzer4190]

+Brianna Q my daughter in law has a masters degree and she is from Mexico. She is not a leech but is a hard worker. I thank God my son married a woman of quality!

[@briannaq5777]

thats great(: I aspire to get to where she is someday. god bless you and your family

[@tammywines9771]

Brianna Q Most do though ! For every 100 Mexican women only 5 are educated enough to make enough money to feed there families, especially the illegal aliens invading the United States of America. They only care about having 10 kids, collecting United States taxpayers money and working under the table to send money back to Mexico or central America. Just be honest Mexicans are being stereotyped as uneducated baby machines, living on the taxpayers tits well because most are !!

[@skyking6989]

She dont look like shes missing any meals

[@blobbyblob2573]

Wow she looks emancipated. 4 kids ...you need to earn 100,000 to support you and 4 kids. Why have 4?

[@exoticcats6119]

Before I watch this, I’m just going to say something I’ve seen. On the bus ride to and from school, I go through a neighborhood where it starts off with average sized (a few somewhat big) houses and then as we go through the houses get smaller and I don’t know how that works out. I find it crazy seeing a compare and contrast of different incomes in a minute in person and even the quality of some of the sidewalks/roads is different in different parts.

[@hhey_its_pat4745]

I remember my mom used to call the gunshots fireworks. I used to live in New Bedford MA which was very similar to this

[@Sandlin22]

Having four kids is a choice. Being 150 pounds overweight is a choice. So if you're going to have four kids which is extremely expensive and be super overweight you might struggle financially.

[@videogameboutique2196]

You're ignorant... Being obese and poor has to do with the quality of food, than the portions of what a poor person eats. Poor people don't have the luxury or white privilege of eating healthy foods, being they're more expensive than cheaper foods that don't yield any health benefits. This is the reason why poor black people are more obese than rich or well off white people. When white people can afford to buy organic food, opposed to high processed fatty foods, they're going to be healthier.

[@joedaoust5942]

videogameboutique you can eat very well and healthy on the 200 $ a week she gets. Bet she buys nothing but crap.

[@thedhive6512]

I think we all know where the food is going in that house.

[@drearydancer]

is that fat joke? :p

[@videogameboutique2196]

You're ignorant... Being obese and poor has to do with the quality of food, than the portions of what a poor person eats. Poor people don't have the luxury or white privilege of eating healthy foods, being they're more expensive than cheaper foods that don't yield any health benefits. This is the reason why poor black people are more obese than rich or well off white people. When white people can afford to buy organic food, opposed to high processed fatty foods, they're going to be healthier.

[@bornhunter100]

Why do you have kids if you can't afford them?

[@lynn.d1015]

Why do you have kids you can’t support?! How is your life ever going to get better if you keep having children?! Why do low income people have so many kids???????

[@raeganmoyer2]

One reason is.... Single mothers who keep having children... And I'm not talking about divorce and deadbeat dads....

[@grumpythings128]

She doesn't look hungry.

[@marla8041]

the insensitivity in these comments is appalling. it's not her fault that her kids' dad(s) left. even if he had stayed, it's damn near impossible to break the cycle of poverty especially when these adults have surely been poor their whole life and can't afford to get higher education to provide for their kids. it isn't as simple as "don't have kids and get a good job" these people cannot think to use protection to avoid having more children or think about long term benefits from investing in education, the only thing on their minds is staying afloat. my mother was on food stamps after my dad left. her background allowed her to think ahead in a way that people who have been raised in poverty cannot. my mother was taught that the debt she acquired from going back to school (got her BA and MS in applied engineering, hows that for lazy welfare moms?) was worth the better salary. these people have only learned to see the debt, not the eventual payoff. it isn't a matter of laziness or selfishness, it's the lack of education that keeps them having more children, getting more welfare, and keeping their children in poverty. hopefully initiatives like this will help that little girl and boy break that cycle

[@davidw453]

It is called a condom

[@lovedunkin]

If she doesn't leave the house, why the costly make-up? That money could be spent in better ways.

[@emilyh7801]

Good point because not buying that most likely dollar store eyeshadow could have gotten her out of poverty. I guess it’s wrong for poor people to not look homeless and do basic upkeep to feel better about themselves. When they are on national tv at that being judged by people like you. What a ignorant privileged comment.

[@1eql844]

No your comment is correct ,this bitch fucked up 4 innocent children's lives and the sympathy from you fools is why she keeps getting away with it! SHE DESERVES TO BE EXPOSED BC SHE IS A FUCK UP AND HER KIDS COULD'VE RECEIVED BETTER FROM HER!

[@sharonhillman5138]

She probably did that for TV. She wanted to look nice.

[@Nono-jf5bc]

Oo feck me the dollar store sells makeup maybe it was a gift to make her feel pretty or hell she just deserved to look beautiful why is it that we hate on people who struggle but praise over paid and don't want to be the bd try to be a person with a heart in a cruel world

[@Nono-jf5bc]

@@1eql844 wheres the dam daddy's who walked out on there children and then have the blimey woman taking care of your children they are not made by them selfs and if you have children you feed them before you eat no matter what hope she gets everything from bd

[@rommymadcat7163]

The way we treat out most vunerable in society says a lot abt us as a species.

[@peternorthrup6274]

4 kids. Really? I want to know how much you get from the father? Period. How much. I didn't have these kids. You did. I paid my support for 21 years. Where is the father of these kids. When you walked in to get help i would have shut the door on you after i told you to have the father pay. I did. Now you want me to pay for your kids. 4 kids? Boy thats responsible. While you where having all that sex you should have thought about who was going to pay for your kids. Selfish. Now i have to pay foe it. Not once in this interview did it say anything about the ST not paying and the parents should. Not once. Is the father dead? Get him. Not me. Make him pay. Until you do im not. But you already know it does not work that way. Makes me sick. Paying for kids that are not mine.

[@GettnBooted]

i hope she broke the cycle.

[@spacekadet12]

These kids are sweetie pies 😭😭

[@tailopez3286]

Why have so many kids?

[@doloresleyva8810]

The other story on her she had no job, lived in same place, had food stamps .. same situation. WHAT! why didnt she move the hell away to better her job opportunities ?

[@shoryacione5175]

Can't afford to?!

[@TheRealHarsjan]

Bring back the traditional family unit

[@KPlyf]

These women are too feminst to play the role of wife.

[@KPlyf]

@@artisticlion9218 no that is role of mother, cooking fir children. If one has so much problem better not have them in the first place. Role of husband is to provide for family he creates with his wife. Role of wife is to provide for her family. Both have to work.

[@thorpower1015]

@@artisticlion9218 sorry but you are wrong statistically speaking households with both a father and mother do much better financially.

[@johnsanders6721]

@@artisticlion9218 Values, attitudes and beliefs produces life circumstances in most cases. Teach and live by example the way a child should go and when they grow up they will not depart.

[@carlgharis7948]

Not in the western world