New Brunswick resident Marlene Lopez is a single parent who works to support her children and her aging mother.
Read MoreMargarita Rivera
Born in Puerto Rico, Margarita Rivera came to New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. She sustained significant financial losses as a result of the storm.
Read MoreJohn Pollard
New Brunswick resident John Pollard has struggled to find employment and housing due to systemic discrimination against formerly incarcerated people.
Read MoreBrian Kulas
Brian Kulas charts how his mental health and medical history deeply affect how he navigates the daily concerns of living in poverty.
Read MoreDebra Oliveda
Debra Oliveda works for a grassroots nonprofit that doesn’t provide guaranteed hours. Unable to afford her own apartment, she’s been couch surfing for a year.
Read MoreMarisela
Marisela describes growing up in Mexico and coming to America as a teenager. She narrates her routine as a working mother of eight children.
Read MoreChristopher Etienne
Christopher Etienne was incarcerated as a young man. He later earned two undergraduate degrees from Rutgers and his master’s from Columbia.
Read MoreMohammad Chowdhury
Prospect Park resident Mohammad Chowdhury graduated from Rutgers and has significant student loan debt. He works as a business analyst and was previously unemployed for a year.
Read MoreWilliam and Rose Morgan
Monroe Township residents William and Rose Morgan lived modestly while working stable jobs throughout their adulthood. They’re struggling to make ends meet in retirement, in large part due to skyrocketing healthcare costs.
Read MoreDamica
Formerly the executive assistant to the president and CEO of a nonprofit, Damica was incarcerated for seven months and lost her job and all of her savings. After her release, it took her four months to find a new job.
Read MoreLizette Thomas
Highland Park resident Lizette Thomas works two jobs and lives paycheck to paycheck. She cares for her teenage son, who has autism, and her mother, who has many health care needs.
Read MoreWalter Herres
Walter Herres recounts how he ended up in the prison system after growing up in a middle-class, suburban home. He narrates the strategies he has used to survive homelessness.
Read MoreAlexander Lewis
Born in Moscow, New Brunswick resident Alexander Lewis has lived paycheck to paycheck and has experienced homelessness. He works in journalism and is hoping to go back to college.
Read MoreMohamed Ismail
Clifton resident Mohamed Ismail identifies as a queer Muslim American Egyptian immigrant man. He’s studying for a master’s degree and has experienced food insecurity.
Read MoreChristian Rodriguez
Newark resident Christian Rodriguez is a community organizer with a master’s in business who lives paycheck to paycheck.
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