They’re called “the working poor” — individuals who, despite extended employment, fail to earn above the poverty level. The name is technically accurate, but it falls short in evoking the breadth and depth of their struggle. It doesn’t account for the agonizing choices they face between necessities. Or the fear that mounts next to daily reminders of the vulnerability of their jobs and families. Most importantly, it fails to fully capture the grit and integrity shown in their commitment to self-reliance.

FACTS ABOUT THE WORKING POOR

• According to the US Census Bureau, 19 million people lived in working poor families in 2008.
• The working poor account for nearly one-quarter (23.8 percent) of all involuntary part-time workers. In fact, in 2007, more than half (58 percent) of those characterized as working poor were usual full-time workers.
• Female-headed households in 2007 were more than twice as likely to be among the working poor than male-headed households.
• The working poor rate by age group peaks at 10.6 percent for those ages 20 to 24, and then declines with each successive age group.