A Coney Island neighborhood that stretches along the waterfront is where the city's lowest median household income residents can be found. According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, households here take in around $9,500 a year.

These blocks are home to a number of Coney Island's famous draws: the boardwalk, amusement park, the Brooklyn Cyclones. But also standing a stone's throw from the beach and the big top is a public housing complex, one which 71-year old Carmen Rosado calls home.

Rosado, who is retired, says she gets around $800 a month in pension and supplemental security income, and she's struggling to live on that.

“My daughters help me,” Rosado said. “If I don’t have it, I just go to them and I say I need a few dollars. Until the end of the month.”

Tawana Harris, 30, got her Bachelor's degree in community health this year, but hasn't been able to find a job. Harris and her 11-year-old son live with her parents.

“If you’re not making a certain, certain income, you have to live with at least three to four people,” Harris said, on her way to a grocery store.. “Everyone’s bringing in income and contributing to the household.”