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1. Why did Desmond write Poverty, By America?

For most of Desmond's life, he had researched and reported on poverty. He lived in poor neighborhoods, spent time with people living in poverty, studied statistical studies and government reports, listened to and learned from community organizers and union reps, created public policy, read the history of the welfare state and city planning and American racism, and even taught courses on inequality. However, he felt he did not know why there was so much poverty in a land of abundance. So he decided to write the book.

2. Where did Desmond grow up?

Desmond grew up in Winslow, an Arizona town on Route 66 east of Flagstaff. His family lived in a small, wood-paneled house that cost $60,000. It was surrounded by dirt and weeds. A woodburning stove heated the house.

3. Why and how did Desmond and his family learn to fix things themselves?

Desmond and his family learned to fix things themselves or go without. When Desmond broke a window with a BB gun, it stayed broken. When the engine in his first truck needed replacing, he and a family friend replaced it with part at a junkyard. When his dad lost his job and the bank took their house, they learned to do without that.

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