Bingo. Perusing the pics, the only poverty I see there is in cleanliness - something not cured by money. Sure they don't have much cash (that's apparent), but they have no less in essentials than I grew up with. Wood stove? yup, that was our heat source (and backup for cooking) in cold NY winters. Pots & pans? obviously far more than they need, enough to make a buck off selling or re-purposing most. Shelter? yup, and some labor & free supplies (see pic of donated lumber) will keep it functional & pleasant. Clothes? keep 'em maintained & tucked in. Care for what you have, riches will follow.
Almost funny how, in comparison, tinyhouseblog.com and minimalissimo.com depict struggles to get down to that same level of simple living.
"Generational malaise". Perfect term. It's not lack of money or opportunity, it's the systemic "don't care" of a region.
**Almost funny how, in comparison, tinyhouseblog.com and minimalissimo.com depict struggles to get down to that same level of simple living.**
So long as you are still within driving distance of a Whole Foods.