A group of activists is charging that corporations are taking advantage of the working poor's need for fast money by targeting the beneficiaries of a special federal program intended to boost people out of poverty.
"This is our money," said Elisha Blackemore, speaking in front of about 50 people who recently gathered outside an H&R Block office at 4020 W. Madison St. in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. A sign proclaiming "Instant Money" loomed in the store's display windows ...