The constant struggle to make ends meet is a devastating reality for too many New Yorkers and Jews worldwide. In this fragile economy, UJA-Federation is helping impoverished individuals and families reclaim their lives.

The Challenge

• More than 1.5 million people in New York City live below the federal poverty level.
• Close to 350,000 Jews in the greater New York area are classified as “poor” or “near poor.”
• Many middle- and upper-income New Yorkers have lost their jobs, homes, and savings, as a result of the financial crisis.
• Almost 25 percent of Israel's population — 1.8 million people — are living in poverty. 
• 165,000 older adults in the former Soviet Union are barely surviving on meager pensions.

UJA-Federation's Response

We provide vital support to beneficiary agencies and grantees on the front lines of poverty-relief efforts. Read more about in our Report on Jewish Poverty.

Last year, our network provided:

In New York:

• 250,000 low-income residents with basic groceries and nutritious meals.
• 54,000 people with free legal services to prevent evictions and secure essential benefits.
• 35,000 unemployed adults with basic job training, counseling, and placement services.
• 12,800 families with safe, affordable child care.
• 5,000 New Yorkers with temporary shelter, counseling, and financial assistance to prevent homelessness.

Overseas:

• 165,000 impoverished elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union with basic food, medicine, and home care.
• 30,000 impoverished Jewish children in the former Soviet Union with food, medical care, clothing, and blankets.
• 3,400 low-income Israelis with access to two food co-ops in Jerusalem to help them reduce their grocery costs by 18 percent.

Every dollar you give makes an impact

• $36 can buy 12 daily food packages for an impoverished New Yorker.
• $80 can pay for the coat, hat, scarf, and gloves a local child needs to keep warm.
• $180 can buy 30 meals for hungry New Yorkers at our kosher soup kitchens.
• $500 can heat an entire apartment in Brooklyn throughout the winter.
• $720 can purchase three cribs for struggling New York families.
• $1,000 can help a local family stave off eviction.

Learn more about our network's poverty programs and find help.

Your gift does so much for so many.