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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 NY AREA

ONE IN FOUR JEWS

struggle to afford even basic necessities

36% OF JEWISH CHILDREN

live in or near poverty

10% OF JEWISH HOUSEHOLDS

depend on government food assistance

Poverty rates in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island

ARE 36%, 26% AND 22% —

reflecting deep economic inequality

ONE IN FOUR JEWS

struggle to afford even basic necessities

36% OF JEWISH CHILDREN

live in or near poverty

10% OF JEWISH HOUSEHOLDS

depend on government food assistance

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 2020, the Silver Hub has served more than 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 — from food assistance, including Market by Met Council, 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. 

Vital aid is at stake for New Yorkers with up to 1 million facing Medicaid cuts while SNAP could vanish for another 300,000 households.

Families stay stabilized when immediate needs like food, rent, medical care, and other essential expenses are addressed quickly.

$48 million in emergency cash assistance has supported 11,500 New Yorkers (+ 12,000 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.

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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