Brazil

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Brazil is widely known for its beauty and diversity in landscape, culture, and ethnicity. However, there is a stark economic divide among its residents, perpetuated by limited affordable housing options and social services, and high unemployment rates, among other issues. Brazil’s population is centered around its cities and towns, and many residents live in favelas, or “shantytowns,” surrounding the big cities. For many, basic needs such as employment, education, and healthcare are not widely covered by the government, and are therefore out of reach. Increasing single-parent households and the necessity to find work far away from home translates to many children and elderly being left alone during the day, or abandoned completely. As a result, local community centers offering free or low-cost social services are often overcrowded and under-staffed.