An Appalachian County's Community Bonds Help Overcome Challenge Of Poverty

OWSLEY COUNTY, KY - APRIL 21: Mose Noble's nephew Johnny Noble, 9, sits in Mose's trailer during a visit on April 21, 2012 in Owsley County, Kentucky. Johnny visits his uncle from time to time. Mose Noble is a former chimney sweeper who no longer works but volunteers cleaning graveyards. His trailer has no electricity or running water but he receives governmental and neighborly assistance. Daniel Boone once camped in the Appalachian mountain hamlet of Owsley County which remains mostly populated by descendants of settlers to this day. The 2010 U.S. Census listed Owsley County as having the lowest median household income in the country outside of Puerto Rico, with 41.5% of residents living below the poverty line. Familial and community bonds run deep, with a populace that shares a collective historical and cultural legacy uncommon in most parts of the country. However, the community of around 5,000 struggles with a lack of jobs due to the decline in coal, tobacco and lumber industries along with health issues including drug addiction without effective treatment. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)