• by Amy Corr  @MediaPostOTL, February 19, 2014

“Not every American lives the American dream,” says a haunting online video for Volunteers of America. "This Is Why We Do What We Do." The nonprofit provides local human service programs to more than 2.5 million people a year.  “This is Real” is a minute-long video shot on Skid Row in Los Angeles. As “America the beautiful” is hummed in the background, unstaged footage is shown. There are shopping carts, garbage bags and plastic containers filled with people’s earthly possessions, alongside mattresses and blankets on the ground.  The message comes through clearly in the very raw glimpse of real poverty -- no bells and whistles needed. Watch it here, created by The Richards Group.