In New York State, 2.7 million people live in poverty, according to a report released by State Comptroller Tomas DiNapoli.
The percentage of Latinos is double the percentage of white New Yorkers in this situation.
And among the most vulnerable groups: children, the elderly and single mothers.
“There is less, less money, the truth is that now we have to keep going out to look for bread, right, for the children who do not miss anything,” said Catalina Xilo, a resident of Queens.
“What you work for is no longer enough to cover all the expenses you have for rent, food, medicines and many other things. And I guess it’s not enough someone who worked, now other people who just arrived, I don’t know? He must have a lot of problems” said Humberto Cuello.
According to the report, 18.5 percent of people under 18 live in poverty, while the number of poor single mothers quadruples that of those with a partner.
Catalina Xilo says that although she is not a single mother, raising children in these times is very difficult.
“Raising children is already very difficult, if one cares for them, it is also expensive,” said Xilo.
Stuff.
The report takes into account population data obtained in the 2020 census.
“While hardship existed before the pandemic, it has exacerbated financial stress on families for many New Yorkers. My report finds worrying poverty rates for many counties across the state,” the Comptroller wrote in a social media post. The message reveals that among the five counties with the highest poverty rates in the state, three are located in New York City (The Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan).
While the hardships existed before the pandemic, it has exacerbated the financial stress on families for many New Yorkers. My report finds high and worrying poverty rates for many counties across the state. https://t.co/CG0MinADEW pic.twitter.com/V8uDL6bczH
— Tom DiNapoli (@NYSComptroller) December 8, 2022
A third of the population reported having some difficulty in paying for household expenses, which rose to 40 percent in the coming months due to inflation which had risen to 47 percent up to October 2022.
Some residents say there is a solution out of the situation.
“They will have to analyze what people are paying, an increase,” Cuello added.
“Put more work for the community,” said Saúl Melendres.
This report is part of a series of studies expected to gain insights into aspects of poverty in the state, such as poor access to housing or food.
