God Bless the Child

A single mother who struggles to keep her daughter Hillary safe as they move between eviction, shelters, and precarious work in the inner city. She demonstrates resilience and deep love for Hillary while facing the crushing weight of poverty and unstable housing. Her difficult decision at the end reveals the impossible choices faced by families in desperate circumstances.

The father who abandoned the Watkins family long ago and does not provide child support. His absence compounds the financial and emotional strain on the household. His actions are a catalyst for the family’s ongoing struggle with poverty and instability.

A member of the Watkins family who embodies parental resilience amid financial hardship. She navigates welfare limits and the pressure to keep her family together while staying hopeful for better circumstances. Her presence adds depth to the neighborhood portrait of poverty and endurance.

A confrontational landlord who enforces eviction and mirrors the harsh, impersonal side of housing policy. Her interactions with Theresa highlight the power imbalance tenants face in precarious housing markets. She personifies the systemic pressure that pushes families toward shelters.

An outreach worker who helps Theresa find housing options and welfare resources. He represents the limited but essential support system available to families in need. His presence offers a glimmer of practical assistance within the larger struggle.

Theresa’s young daughter who suffers from lead poisoning due to poor housing conditions. Her vulnerability underscores the health risks faced by children in unstable environments. Hillary’s illness intensifies Theresa’s sense of urgency and fear for the future.

A member of the Watkins family who contributes to the neighborhood’s collective story of poverty and perseverance. Her experiences illustrate how siblings and extended family navigate scarcity while maintaining hope for a better life.

The son of the Watkins family who hopes to break the cycle by graduating from high school. He embodies aspiration and the belief that education is a path out of poverty, even in the face of daily economic hardship.

A member of the Watkins household who contributes to the family’s dynamic and resilience. She reflects how poverty impacts youth and the ways siblings and relatives support one another in struggling times.