Concentrated Disadvantage

Neighborhoods that are at or below the poverty line and have existed that way for a long time are said to be areas of Concentrated Disadvantage. This is nearly always a result of systemic inequalities in our country. 

Concentrated Disadvantage perpetuates itself for many reasons; a primary one is a higher number instances of severe adversity for young people. This is known as developmental trauma, and leads to lower academic and wellbeing outcomes.

3 of the most prevalent reasons Concentrated Disadvantage leads to increased Developmental Trauma are: 

1. Lack of Positive Adult Supervision 

   • This can result from parents working multiple jobs, incarceration, single parent households, and/or higher death rates due to “diseases of despair”. Whatever the cause, the result is fewer adults to buffer stress for young people.

2. Lower Community Engagement

   • Residents often don’t own property, and therefore don’t feel invested in the growth and success of their neighborhoods. They are indifferent to elected officials, zoning laws, or the types of businesses entering the community because they don’t stand to benefit from its growth and have nothing to lose from its demise. 

3. Lower Community Self-Efficacy

   • Generations of systemic neglect have embedded a lack of belief in the ability to change and improve their community. Increasing rent, uncaring politicians, overly aggressive policing, and other oppressive structures reinforce the idea that residents do not have a voice for change. 

The B.R.I.D.G.E. helps young people living through adversity by teaching them the coping strategies and resiliency skills they are not acquiring from adults. In addition, we engage students’ teachers and caregivers to help them gain the same skills. These adults can then model for young people while also reducing stress and anxiety in their own lives.