New numbers out this week show that, despite our improving economy, about 20 percent of people here live in poverty. It’s one of the highest rates of any metropolitan region in the nation. And nowhere is the issue more apparent than at the Midnight Mission on Skid Row. The mission serves about 3000 meals a day, more than at any other time since the Great Depression. Madeleine visits the mission and talks with the people there.
Thomas Martinez works at a hip downtown restaurant and lives in South L.A., but eats at the Midnight Mission when money is tight.
Christian Caudillo eats regularly at the Midnight Mission with his family.
Jean Ellingen sleeps in a tent at the Midnight Mission.