Needs Statement

In the City of St. Louis:

• 46% of African-American children are growing up in poverty.

• Hunger is almost twice the national average in South St. Louis.

• The median income of African-American households is $21,931, compared to $49,192 for white households.

• 29% of African-American males are unemployed.

• 24% of African-American females are unemployed.

The youth served by GSGBC live in South St. Louis; based on the high concentration of poverty in these areas, they are at significant risk to suffer the long-term impact of unresolved trauma, as evidenced by academic failure, drug and gang activity, and incarceration. More than 21,000 children and youth live in the South St. Louis zip codes of 63118, 63116, and 63111 with little or nothing constructive for them to do after school or during the summer.