Welcome to "This Robin Hood Moment" with your hosts Crystal Cooper and Kevin Thompson. In this episode, we center the voices and experiences of those directly impacted by the recent surge in poverty across New York City, illuminated by the stark findings of Robin Hood’s annual Poverty Tracker report. With guests Greg Silverman, CEO of the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and Robert Cordero, CEO of Grand Street Settlement, we embark on a journey to hear how both of these organizations have become beacons of hope for low-income New Yorkers.

The episode unveils the staggering statistics, such as the increase in the number of New Yorkers living in poverty from 1.5 million to 2 million between 2021 and 2022, with nearly 500,000 more people in New York living in poverty than the year prior. The report reveals an overall poverty rate that surged from 18% to 23%, while the child poverty rate skyrocketed by 66% – rising from 15% to 25%. These figures underscore the urgent need for action and support as we elevate individuals and families navigating the harsh realities of poverty. From single parents struggling to put food on the table to children facing housing insecurity, we witness the human faces of an affordability crisis exacerbated by the pandemic's aftermath. With hosts Crystal Cooper and Kevin Thompson, we explore the vital role of nonprofits in NYC like Grand Street Settlement and WSCAH in providing critical safety nets and fostering community resilience.

Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.

You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts, and you can find Robin Hood on X/Twitter @robinhoodnyc.

Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.

"This Robin Hood Moment" is produced by Cory Winter; graphics are produced by Mary Power; visuals are provided by Motion Array; music and sound are provided by Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Robert Cordero and Greg Silverman.

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