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CARING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

COMBATING POVERTY

HomeOur WorkCaring for People in NeedCombating Poverty


Poverty isn’t just widespread — it’s overwhelming.

New York has the worst economic outlook of any state with 5.3 million New York City residents struggling to make ends meet.

The soaring cost of living has pushed poverty levels to an all-time high with essential benefits facing drastic cuts just when people need them most.

That’s why UJA and our partners are alleviating poverty holistically and respectfully. Our choice-driven, culturally sensitive approach empowers people on the path from crisis to stability and independence.

As we help break the cycle of poverty in New York, Israel, and around the world, we stay true to our guiding principle: Dignity. 



FACTS ABOUT JEWISH POVERTY IN NYC

Of all Jewish New Yorkers,

ONE IN FOUR STRUGGLE

to afford even basic necessities

Of all Jewish households,

36% OF CHILDREN

live in or near poverty

Of all Russian-speaking seniors living alone

69% ARE NEAR POOR

with most located in Brooklyn

Poverty rates in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island

ARE 36%, 26% AND 22% —

reflecting deep economic inequality

Of all Jewish New Yorkers,

ONE IN FOUR STRUGGLE

to afford even basic necessities

Of all Jewish households,

36% OF CHILDREN

live in or near poverty

Of all Russian-speaking seniors living alone

69% ARE NEAR POOR

with most located in Brooklyn

Poverty rates in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island

ARE 36%, 26% AND 22% —

reflecting deep economic inequality

“Without this place I really don’t know where I’d be.”

Since opening in 2021, the Silver Hub has served 30,000 people. Meet some of the thankful clients who received compassionate, culturally sensitive care.

OUR QUEENS AND BROOKLYN SERVICE HUBS

Meet two of our most vital and effective partnerships.

The Jack and Shirley Silver Hub in Queens operated by Commonpoint and the Brooklyn Hub operated by Met Council are situated in neighborhoods where Jewish poverty is most concentrated. Each offers a host of services — ffood assistance, including Market, a kosher digital food pantry, to job training, legal aid, mental health care, and more.

Both Hubs follow a uniquely compassionate and inclusive model, with a heavy emphasis on respectful, dignified, one-stop care. 

New Yorkers of all backgrounds are welcome here. 

UJA’S IMPACT: HELPING NEW YORKERS MOVE FROM CRISIS TO STABILITY

NYC food pantry sites are seeing up to 2 million more visits each month, compared to pre-pandemic levels.

New Yorkers have access to food through traditional in-person food pantries as well as a choice-based online Market that offers culturally sensitive options.

17.7 million pounds of food have been distributed by local nonprofit partners.

Nearly one million working New Yorkers earn less than $20,000 per year, and many lack the qualifications to advance to middle-class jobs. 

Workforce development programs such as job training, career counseling, and placement programs combat unemployment and economic insecurity as people gain skills and find good-paying jobs. 

19,000 New Yorkers (+ 32,500 globally) have accessed employment services. 

Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers eligible for public benefits aren’t enrolled, in great part due to the complexity in navigating the benefit systems. 

By helping New Yorkers secure the public assistance and government benefits they’re eligible for, we reduce food insecurity, homelessness, and poor health.  

94,000 New Yorkers (+ 46,300 globally) have received assistance accessing government services and benefits.

About 10% of low-income New Yorkers can’t afford their civil legal needs, often related to housing, child custody, and employment. 

Free legal assistance and advocacy protect New Yorkers’ rights in housing, job, and family matters. 

43,100 New Yorkers have benefited from 74,200 hours of pro bono legal services. 

Since October 7, requests for financial aid have surged as Israelis rebuild homes, businesses, and communities so they can get back to their lives and livelihoods. 

Emergency assistance and interest-free loans help individuals and families overcome short-term crises and become more financially stable.

$48 million in emergency cash assistance has supported 23,500 worldwide. 

NYC food pantry sites are seeing up to 2 million more visits each month, compared to pre-pandemic levels.

New Yorkers have access to food through traditional in-person food pantries as well as a choice-based online Market that offers culturally sensitive options.

17.7 million pounds of food have been distributed by local nonprofit partners.

OUR PARTNERS COMBATING POVERTY

  • Commonpoint Queens: Operating UJA’s Jack and Shirley Silver Hub in Queens, this partner delivers wraparound services — food access, job training, legal aid, and benefits support — under one roof.

  • Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House: Serving Brooklyn’s immigrant and working-class families with food aid, workforce programs, counseling, and community support.

  • Educational Alliance: Strengthening low-income families in Manhattan through education, employment, hunger relief, and community engagement. 

  • The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC: Providing social services, food support, and crisis assistance to Long Island families facing financial instability.

  • Hebrew Free Loan Society: Extending interest-free loans that help individuals and families manage emergencies, pursue education, or rebuild after setbacks without added debt.  

OTHER WAYS WE HELP. YOU CAN HELP TOO.

MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Hotlines. Counseling services. Safe spaces.

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GIVE YOUR TIME

Visit or call seniors. Pack or deliver food. Brighten a day.

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DONATE MONTHLY

Families. NYers. Seniors. Israelis. Help us help them.

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