Poverty

In 1917, the WCC established and financed New York City's first free Maternity Center, reaching over 2,300 low-income patients in its first year.

Throughout our history, WCC has addressed the concerns of low-income New Yorkers — the population most vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy and hardest hit by financial crises. By current estimates, one-third of New Yorkers are poor, and even more children live in poverty.

We monitor city, state and federal issues closely for adverse effects on the poor. The Poverty Issues Committee advocates for policies and programs to lift and keep individuals out of poverty, and it opposes legislation and practices that would decrease or eliminate necessary benefits and/or services.

To access the 2012 Guide to Services and Resources in Manhattan, please click here.

To read and learn about Poverty Committee Member Joan McAllister’s monthly resource newsletter for the homeless, “How… When… Where,” please click here.

Go to our Poverty Issues Committee page for more information about current priorities and recent actions.

Recent Poverty News:

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  • 2012 Guide to Services and Resources in Manhattan Now Available April 30, 2012
    New York City is facing record amounts of homelessness and hunger.  Immigrants, veterans, parents of young children, and seniors face considerable challenges. Numerous nonprofits and government agencies have undergone severe service and staff cutbacks – some even closing their doors. In light of the difficult circumstances facing both service providers and New Yorkers in need, [...]
  • April 23 – Lunch with Legislators: Council Member Letitia James March 20, 2012
    A devoted public servant, Council Member Letitia James has dedicated her life to improving the Brooklyn community. Prior to her service, Council Member James founded the Urban Network, a coalition of minority professional organizations that raises money and distributes scholarships to inner city youth. In May 2007, James sponsored the Safe Housing Act. This ground-breaking [...]
  • New Issue of Agenda: Sex Trafficking, MTA Budget, Gale Brewer and More February 23, 2012
    The New Issue of WCC’s Newsletter, Agenda, is now available! Our newsletter, Agenda, reports on WCC’s recent advocacy actions, public programs and special events. Highlights of the current issue include: WCC 2012 Public Policy Priorities Stop Sex Trafficking 95th Anniversary Holiday Party MTA Capital Budget NYC Budget with Gale Brewer Theater Benefit And more!  View [...]
  • WCC Announces 2012 Public Policy Priorities February 14, 2012
    By Pam Elam, Public Policy Committee Chair While the Women’s City Club of New York takes positions on many issues throughout the year, our Committees often select specific items upon which they wish to focus. Over the last two months, the Public Policy Committee has worked with the civic committee chairs and members to develop [...]
  • WCC Member Featured in Local Paper: “They Occupied Before Occupy” December 1, 2011
    Like many WCC members, Kitty Williston has a long history of activism and participation in protests for equality.  Her story is featured in the December 1 issue of The West Side Spirit as one of the “West Side’s Grannies”  fueling the Occupy Wall Street Movement. To Kitty, an active member of the WCC’s Poverty Issues [...]