Multi-million dollar hotel and they pay this guy $11.00 an hour AND expect him to stay looking good by buying his own suits and ties, shoes, etc??? The least they can do is provide him with 5 suits to wear

Be thankful for everything you have got. If you have a house mortgage that you’re paying off, food in the fridge, light, warmth, entertainment appliances, car and disposable income you are doing very very well.

I’m watching this in the middle of pandemic and I can see that pandemic just surfaced the crisis that America has been facing for a long time.

The black woman is a legend she did it ! She put the work in and is improving life for her family and teaching her children how important higher education is, she will make it and succeed I felt her tears and pray for her family .

You can be comfortably middle class one moment and struggling the next. Don't think it could never happen to you.

The people that do the most important jobs get paid the least, while celebrities and sports stars and ceos make the most.

The hotel worker seeing his kids for the first time in 9 years. That made me tear up. Very sweet. The hotel is really ripping him off.

I have studied many documentaries on poverty, and this is the very best IMO, extremely well produced, and from the POV of the people featured over a long period of time. They tell their own stories, which makes this film unique in that they are the narrators. Exceptional production all around.

Jerry is a good guy. Works full time and does voluntary work, Paying for his children that he hasn’t seen in 9 years. Sober. Such a positive attitude. America is a tough tough place for low income earners.

A lot of times we encounter people who are doing their jobs at the hotel, restaurant, hospital, etc., and we do not realize the hell they are going through.

I only shop at used Clothing Stores when shopping for clothing. I make $80k a year and will continue buying used. Just because you have money, doesn't mean you have to waste it. Thanks to my Frugal ways of living, not eating out, and not buying things I don't need, I've saved in the last 9 years close to $150k in my bank, and I support a family of 3 on top of that.

When I was a kid, my family and I used to go to this diner near our home and there was a waitress we loved. Years later when my brother and I were in our early twenties, we happened to go to another restaurant and saw her there. She was still waitressing and she remembered us. We talked about money and how hard things were and she said to us that people always say that we don't work hard enough in this country if we have to struggle so hard, and that she says back to them that we work just as hard or harder and have less to show for it. Docs like this make this point. These people aren't lazy. They work FT, most days a week and still can't survive. They are the people she was referring to who work hard and have less to show for it. What do they have to show for working every single day of their lives? Not even the bare minimum of contentment and being able to know all of their bills are paid each month. That is criminal.

I can't believe someone working in a nursing home earns only 11 dollars an hour. It's obscene!

No one that work this hard should have to struggle like this !!!

I vaguely remember watching this doc before and the second I saw Bridget I remembered that awful thing Mom said, “She doesn’t fight like I would.” And her whispering “I’m tired.” It’s so hard to not only hear a mother imply their child has failed in some way by suffering and dying, but for that mother to be in healthcare. My god that’s so hard to hear.

As someone who has had cancer twice, I was pretty upset by what she said to Bridget. It’s not about ‘fighting’- as a nurse I’ve seen patients fight incredibly hard, but sometimes it’s not within your power. When you are debilitated by cancer treatments it’s also incredibly hard to appear as though you are fighting - some days all you can do is put one foot in front of another! As a ‘motivatiinal’ speech mum- B minus- could do far better!

A whopping $0.25 raise!!! For $500 a year! That's a little over $40 a month raise. And people are supposed to be excited for that? What an insult!

Bad thing about this is, i hadnt realised it had gotten this bad. You use to be called lazy if you were poor. Now you can work your ass of ,and still not make ends meet.

For anyone going through poverty I salute you. Finding a moment in every day to remember that you're a human being is golden. May every tomorrow bring you a new day and keep the woes of yesterday behind you. God bless us all.

I love the waitress! What a badass. "what are they gonna do, steal my identity? Please do!" lol

Bless the family and mother who is working full-time and going to school. I am so proud of her. I pray for God to help and strengthen her every day.

My mom was a single mom with 4 girls. My dad left us when my oldest sister was 14. My mom was one of the hardest working people I have known. These stories are like reliving my childhood.

👏👏👏 Standing Ovation for *_Barbara Brooks_** !!!* This woman's name should be *P E R S E V E R E N C E* OMG... the CRAP she went through as a kid/teen!? She could've _easily_ became a statistic. Geezus! 5 kids... Full Time School... Full Time Work! I cried tears of joy for her outcome. There's no one more deserving. I wish all the people well, but WOW, Barbara, what a woman! I hope she's a speaker to inspire others & what an incredible role model she is to her kids 👏👏👏

That waitress mom seems to have met a good man. And she reminds me of Julia Roberts. God Bless all these single moms & their families.

Another thing is wrong is the fatherless nation we have become with so many men who don't want to take care of their kids.

I’m not an emotional person but the black lady brought a tear to my eye, she is a FIGHTER, she’s looking to progress for her family and God is looking over her, God Bless her and her whole family!

I cried when Barbara got her raise. And I applaud her decision to further her education.

By 13 I was cleaning and babysitting for neighbors and at 15 I went to work full time along with going to school. That work history got me an assistant bookkeeping job which led to full bookkeeping/payroll jobs. I made sure no babies were made and didn't marry until I was 25 and knew for sure about my man. That was almost 38 years ago. I'm blessed!

All those children, no extra money, no time and a daughter with cancer ... my goodness she has a lot on her shoulders. I truly hope life turned around for her. I honestly feel for this lady and her family. 🦋

Man, I remember being a full-time CNA making 7.25/hr in 2006, going to nursing night school full-time as a single mother on my own because my husband left me. That crap was hard. I eventually made it through school, thank God, but I will never forget where I came from. The rich just keep getting richer on the poor's backs.

Dec 2nd 2020- Nothing Has Changed, People still Struggling to Make Ends Meet.

I am so sorry. My Mother was in a nursing home. You folks work so hard doing such difficult work. You deserve SOOOO much more

This truly broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I will not complain about what I make again

Blaming the hard working mothers? Seriously? They reported that only 37% of the fathers pay child support -- THAT is why these families can't make ends meet. She said she is working overtime. Pay attention and get off your high horse. These mothers are stretched to the breaking point.

I am 71 years old. I have a BS DEGREE AND A MASTER'S degree. I taught public school for 18 years and then became a CPS worker until I retired in 2003. The most salary that I have ever received was a little more than 32 thousand a year. I feel like this was poverty salary also.

These beautiful hardworking people are an inspiration. The security guard is hardworking and dedicated. The nurse is amazing and determined. Thank you all for such an informative documentary.

Interesting the IRS will ensure these men pay their taxes every year but somehow the government can't ensure they pay towards raising their children.

It is very true that nobody owes us poor people anyting. But it is also true that the system shouldn't try to keep us poor!

I can’t believe she told her daughter if she died she ( the mother) would have to be the one to pick up the pieces ( to take care of her other kids),,, not that she LOVES her,, wtf

I choose to watch this kind of shows quite often to educate myself that I could be one of them tomorrow if my husband left me or I lost him from illness. My husband earns good money while I don’t. I’m also not educated while my husband is well educated and graduated from one of the best university in the world. I would easily be homeless without him. I’m so lucky I don’t need to go to food banks or I don’t need to prevent our children from seeing the doctor. I hope those women are in a better place now.

Jerry seems like a good man. He talks about his kids and what he wants for them. He pays child support. He's a hard worker. I wish I could help him out. I hope he and all of them are doing better these days.

The one lady has been working at the children's home for all those years, and is only making $8.25 per hour? That is a travesty.

IVE BEEN HOMELESS FIVE TIMES AND I SURVIVED. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN HELP YOU!!!

I'm Disabled, a Veteran, and have been homeless for two years. I'm not a drug addict, just lost my housing two years ago when the Apartment Complex I was living at was sold to a buyer in Toronto, who promptly notified the tenants living with Section 8 or VASH assistance was given the option to move out or pay full market value rent. I found while looking for a place to move to, that most low income housing was eliminated in this same fashion by greedy investors. I bought an old van on payments and was forced to start living in it. I did so for a year and was offered a tiny fiberglass trailer on payments. I found that the person I bought it from had mislead me on a clear title, and have had difficulty getting it registered and legal to tow. I have been stranded at a Recreation Area, above Kingman Arizona for seven months now trying to get repairs done to my van. It is no longer safe to drive, and definitely not suitable to tow my trailer. It has been a living hell, upto 128 degrees at times this summer, now dealing with freezing cold at night and heavy winds. Every time I try to get some repairs made, something comes up. I bought a used generator which failed in a couple weeks, had to buy another one, then my emotional support dog Archie was badly bitten and required veterinary care, my air conditioning compressor failed in my Van, I cut my knuckle to the bone and ligaments on some glass discarding some trash which resulted in an Emergency Room Visit. I have been trying to get help, and have not much success. I was accepted for Rapid Rehousing through the Catholic Charities, but have searched all over Mohave County but found I cannot afford an apartment on my disability income. I am now in a panic as I was notified by the Catholic Charities Caseworker handling my information, had their computer stolen and now my personal information has been compromised. I am on a waiting list for Section 8, basically started over. I did not choose to be in this homeless situation, and have been doing my best to deal with everything I have experienced the past 2 years. I had to literally give everything I owned away when I lost my apartment EVERYTHING!, I did try and keep my many tools, but those to were lost by a "friend" who was going but keep them until I get settled, but would never respond to my calls or texts. I am absolutely sick of my life. I don't live anymore, I merely exist, and it's not much of an existence. I have not showered in nearly 8 months, and haven't bathed in over two years since losing my apartment. I have reached out to every VA organization or service center for help, but am ineligible. I served 6 years in The Air National Guard, and was honorably discharged, but still don't meet the requirements as I was on active duty for well over a year with Avionics Technical School, and was activated during Desert Storm, but could not deploy with my unit, as I was a 3 level technician straight out of school. I have no family for support, no friends, only a few people I have met while being homeless. I have had a fellow vet brings some water bottles and food items several months back, but I don't see how I can ever get out of my situation as my limited income doesn't suffice..

I just have one thing to say. The smallest decisions we make have the greatest impact in our lives.

I love how the black woman is determined to get her education. Says so much about her drive.

Thank you to my parents, ( now deceased) for migrating to Australia we are truly blessed to live in the land down under.🙏🏻😇

In 2010 I was 50 years old and everything fell apart. I worked at a nursing home for 8.25 a hour. Was responsible for 8 residents. Getting them ready for breakfast and lunch and meeting all their needs. It is not pleasant to rush 90 year olds. Should not be that way. It was VERRY hard work and the seniors deserved better.

My mom raised us on her nurses salary in the 70's for about $9-10 an hour....we lived in a nice low income complex in Long Beach, CA for about $300 a month. I had everything I wanted and we went to Disneyland and all the theme parks 4 times a year. She even bought a house later on. But it is all the fees and other costs that makes it not possible today. Food, car, bus, gas, etc. Rents are skyrocketing while salaries remain the same.

Poverty is painful it shouldn't exist especially in this country.

Living with economic uncertainty, when you were 'promised' a good life, is so emotionally traumatic! It can scar you to the point that when things get better, you literally fall apart inside. I still have panic attacks about NOTHING. I found good counselors, who told me PTSD is something that can happen to anyone.

Wow I cried throughout this entire video…. Love and Light to all the families ❤❤❤

Nicely done. Thanks to the people who shared their lives in this documentary. I wish you all the best.

i feel for jerry..a man out here working living in a very small room paying 530.00 for rent..and still sending childsupport 200.00 of each month making 12 an hour that's rare these days in the USA! my hat goes off to you!!!👒👌

The CNA SAYS" I'm getting paid less than garbage men" WTF?! DO YOU THINK GARBAGE MEN HAVE IT EASY.... OR.. DO YOU LOOK DOWN ON GARBAGE MEN? What BS!

September 2020- Nothing still has Changed. Everyone still struggling and not earning enough to Survive.

What good moms, being a single mom must be so very hard, what real hero's look like!

My ex never paid child support. I was fortunate that I only had 1 child and having a degree helped me to be able to support us. My parents helped me by caring for my daughter at times. They are right about getting an education before having kids.

My heart goes out to these people struggling every day.

the girl working with the residents made me tear up when she got the new job and got the raise, im so proud of her lol like why am i crying i wish the best for her

Why is everybody obsessing about the woman's nails? She needed to look nice for her job. Maybe she did her own nails.

wow she was making 11 bucks an hour in nursing home almost 15 years ago. it is now 2017 and I'm only getting 11.25/hr taking care of elderly and mentally ill. I have to work full time at two different homes to make ends meet. I have had one day off in last three months. Things haven't changed much

20 years later and nothing has gotten better, only worse.

This hits home. Im better off having less money and keeping Medicaid because I have a child with chronic kidney disease. I would have to make $ 200,00+ a year to be able to cover what Medicaid does. So I just stay broke to keep Medicaid. I don't feel like I can progress in life till my son is an adult. Its a difficult place to find yourself in.

The black lady's boss is a gem..They don't talk to you like this in Las Vegas.

Excellent documentary. My heart goes out to these incredibly hard-working people. My life is so easy. I couldn't possibly do what they're doing. Sure wish them the best.

Seeing people struggling this bad in America is heartbreaking. I think education is the way out, or at least a key to moving upward and not working paycheck to paycheck. I was so proud to see the single mom of 8 get her degree, congrats to her because I know it wasn't easy at all.

I watch these not to gloat on how much better I have it but to get some empathy for my fellow man.

CONGRATS MS. BARBARA, So happy you Graduated, Stay Strong My Sister! Your Heart is Bigger than Life, I Love you and I don't even know you, but you have shown me that Anybody can make It with determination and hard work.

Jerry is a good man,he even gives to the homeless

The first thing is to stop smoking. That will help out with some money.

The woman on assistance with the son that has breathing problems is such a good Mom and hard worker! I hope things got better for her. In the end her evaluation and raise! Going back to school! Ma'am, you're inspiring! Your testimony is amazing!

When we lived in my country we were middle class ,we never wore used clothing and when we came to America everything changed .My mom talked to my brother and me and said "well, here we are now we are safe but things are going to be different we will have to wear used clothing and we are going to public school and there will be less money for toys and food .She had become a single mom and she did it we never lacked anything we needed.So great full for the care our mom did for us !Hurray for single moms !!!!

I take my hat off to the women who care for so many others. The guy who lifted himself is really amazing.I hope to take inspiration from all of them.

Here I am single, $4500/month net income, next to no bills outside of housing, just chillin. A needed wake up call to save as much as possible

You've given your children your love, they are beaming with love for you. That's everything

It was amazing to watch the mother get another awesome job after graduating. She was a happier person arouns her kids and everything. So awesome to watch!!

I am just disgusted with all the "men" who do their 20 second pump and dump and leave a trail of kids, ex wives and girlfriends and skip out on paying their OBLIGATION.

You guys all deserve a medal. Love and blessings from the U.K.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

I never had kids due to my own brutal upbringing, I live on the poverty level but at least I will have a chance but it is incredibly hard people.

I really hope these people are doing better now, god bless them all.

So,so happy for the divorced mother and her children having this generous and helpful man come into their lives.. God bless them!

poverty in this country looks like luxury to the poor in my country. It's sad.

Thank you to these beautiful families, for sharing their lives & telling their stories...I was so moved by all of them & what they had to go through, but still so resilient...I'm praying for their continued success...I would love to know how they are doing today...many Blessings to all of them!!🙏♥

The lady who went from daycare to recreational therapy is smart and tough. She just need to believe in herself and be more confident. She did a wonderful job with her new job. She’s got the right ideas... just don’t loose sight of that focus. Your awesome!

Wow..way to make your dying daughter feel like shit for being sick.."I'm the one that's gonna have to pick up the pieces when you go", " it's just not fair", "I wish shed fight harder, like I would"...as daughter mumbles "I'm tired".

Said a while back "if im going to struggle it's going to be somewhere pretty" best life decision ever.

The lady that works in the detention center. Going to school and is raising all these kids is such a stong woman. God bless her soul ...she overcame her traumatic life as a child and teen and she seems to be an amazzzing mother....what a beautiful glowing spirit she has ....i admire her strength and endurance sooo much now this ladies and gentlemen is a super woman!!!❤❤❤stay strong beautiful queen

If families stuck together and couples stayed together & strived together things would be a lot better. Not perfect but better. Men are slipping, honestly.

The American dream Is when your sleeping, wake up to the American nightmare.

This might be old but we still living like this in 2021!!!

Mary's house, style and attitude make me so nostalgic for the 90s.

somehow a clip about a $20 million NYC apartment brought me here. High life, greed on the one hand and crippling poverty on the other. there's just no fairness and justice in this world anymore...

This is quite an old documentary- I wish I knew how these people are doing today in 2020.

Here we are in 2020, and the GOP opposes health care for the poor, and says you should get it from your employer. But employers don't offer health care at all, or don't provided affordable health care. There is something wrong with this.

Oh my gosh! I so relate with these guys... worse for me is that at my job they don't even calculate our time with hours. It's one salary at the end of the month. Worse is that more jobs are added on us without notice and no additions will be considered. If you complain, you are fired....Love from Nairobi, Kenya

I use to work in nursing home care. It's hard work, and you need to be a very caring and loving person to do it. God bless these woman,mall of them and the man in this looked awesome dressing for his job.

The girl who got her associates degree had me crying 😭💖

The kinds of jobs that pay the least really show what we value as a nation and it's despicable. Those working to care for the most vulnerable among us like children and the dying elderly are bringing home $500-600 every two weeks? It's unconscionable.

Jerry doesnt realize he got played. Bosses removed him from his old position into a new one for less pay because they know he's desperate enough to accept it.