Winter 2010 
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
December 1, 2009
- The Recession's Effects on African American Males
by Andrew Sum, Ishwar Khatiwada, and Joseph McLaughlin, Northeastern University
The recession has hurt African American males' labor-market chances more than other groups'. The authors provide data for both the nation and New England. - Placing a Value on Care Work
by Randy Albelda, Mignon Duffy, Nancy Folbre, Clare Hammonds, and Jooyeoun Suh
The value of care work-care of children, seniors, the disabled, students, patients-is often downplayed as an economic force. The authors highlight Massachusetts, where even unpaid care work is worth $151.6 billion annually. - Child Homelessness: Minimizing the Impact, Ending the Epidemic
by Kathleen Guarino and Katherine T. Volk, National Center on Family Homelessness
Every year, one in 50 American children experiences homelessness. The authors specify the deep psychological effects and call for a more professional assessment of children entering shelters and a national commitment to ending homelessness. - Mapping New England: Grandparents Raising Children
by Kai-yan Lee, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
A variety of socioeconomic factors have contributed to the increasing phenomenon of grandparents serving as caretakers for children. Kai-yan Lee maps the picture in New England. - The Case for National Children's Savings Accounts
by Barbara A. Butrica, The Urban Institute
Starting children early on saving can foster financial literacy and ultimately bring more low-income, unbanked households into the mainstream. Other countries' support for child savings accounts recently inspired a push for a U.S. program. - Investing in Energy Efficiency
Peter B. Meyer, E.P. Systems Group Inc.
Today energy-efficiency improvements are helping to reduce consumption, lower the cost of owning buildings, improve buildings' investment possibilities, make homeownership more affordable, and hold down rents. The author describes how low-income housing can benefit. - The Stimulus and Rural Families
by Marybeth J. Mattingly, University of New Hampshire
The 2009 stimulus expanded tax credits for low-income families. An estimated 85 percent of families with children will receive increased benefits, with the biggest impact on cities and rural areas. - A Proposal to Help Distressed Homeowners
by Chris Foote, Jeff Fuhrer, Eileen Mauskopf, and Paul Willen
As unemployment grows, loan-modification programs are inadequate. A proposal from Fed economists addresses what can be done when a home cannot be refinanced because of lost value and the owner experiences significant income disruption. - Transnationalism: What It Means to Local Communities
by Alvaro Lima, Boston Redevelopment Authority
Transnational immigrants-people who move to a new country but keep strong economic, social, and political connections with their countries of origin-make tangible contributions to U.S. communities. - New Partnering between Banks and Nonprofit Lenders
by Geoff Smith and Sean Zielenbach, Woodstock Institute
Since the recession, nonprofit community development financial institutions and mainstream banks have increasingly collaborated on small business lending to underserved communities. The authors note both benefits and concerns for partners in these evolving relationships.
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