A cross erected in an empty lot in downtown Clarksville, Texas
An abandoned home in Clarksville. Red River County has seen a 17% decline in its population since 2000. Here, one in five families lives below the federal poverty line.
The Red River County Courthouse in downtown Clarksville. The county is home to an older and racially diverse population. The median household income in this area is $32, 605 which is less than half that for the rest of Texas at $72, 607.
A mannequin in a closed storefront. A steady decline in manufacturing and industrial jobs in rural towns like Clarksville has left small town economies struggling.
Clarksville Mayor Ann Rushing leads the Pledge of Allegiance before a prayer meeting on the downtown square.
Norrise Bagby, a Clarksville resident, on his way to the VA hospital in Bonham which lies 70 miles away. With the lack of affordable healthcare near his home, Mr. Bagby must travel to see a doctor, a task that he is unable to do on his own.
The doors to the closed hospital in Clarksville. A lack of funding shut down the city's only hospital in late 2014 and forced people to travel at least 30 miles to receive hospital care.
John McPeters, center, runs a local charity that provides financial assistance and transportation for people in-need. Here, he leads Mr. Bagby through his doctor appointment at the VA hospital. Many people have come to rely on charities and people like John McPeters in resource-strapped Clarksville.
Norrise Bagby at the VA hospital in Bonham
People pick beets at the Clarksville Food Pantry. The lack of jobs, access to higher education and low wages have forced many people below the poverty line in rural counties. This food pantry provides meals to people from across Red River County.
Patsy Jones, the Director of Clarksville's food pantry, prepares to receive a shipment from the larger East Texas Food Bank. Around 800 people visit the food bank during each distribution day she says. The population of Red River County was 5,374 people in 2013.
Pastor Ted Robinson, of Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Clarksville, before a service celebrating the congregation's 145th anniversary. Pastor Robinson works closely with nonprofits like Zip Code Connection to foster community engagement in town.
Before Sunday service at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Clarksville
Asleep at church, St. Paul United Methodist
Volunteers prepare letters at the newly renovated Hub Community Center in Clarksville. The center hosts classes, community meetings and provides a workspace for local nonprofits and educators.
Work being done to a downtown storefront
Clarksville town baseball fields