Hoboken and the Changing American Dream

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times.

There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation consistently so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

That's why we're introducing a new series that will be about how America works, how we realize our dreams and life as we know it. It's about how we approach our lives, our relationships, our jobs, our communities and ourselves.

We know the American Dream is different for everyone. We know many of our friends, family and neighbors are working toward the goal of reaching their own dreams, helping others get there and nurturing not only themselves but their communities along the way.

Looking out across nearly 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Hoboken neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about fiscal and monetary policy. In Hoboken, many hours of debate have been spent on the ,

and in the police department last year in Hoboken and a have prompted discussions on how those decisions will impact the average Hobokenite. From police manpower levels to human services to , Hobokenites are questioning the delivery of government services versus taxes in the current economic climate.

The economy remains at the center of any debate, with unemployment numbers remaining steady. In Hoboken, for example, a free job search course is offered every month at the Multi Service Center. Community groups throughout Hoboken—for example, the Hoboken homeless shelter and St. Matthew's church—continue to support those in need.

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth in our Patch towns throughout the year.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Hoboken go to the heart of your American Dreams.