The Federal Government defines the poverty level for a family of three as a household with less than $18,310 in annual income. The 2010 New York State Poverty Report finds more than 2.6 million New Yorkers, including 852,000 children, live in poverty. New York State Community Action Association CEO Denise Harlow says the numbers are unacceptable.

"Community Action has championed the war on poverty for decades, but the harsh realities of poverty have remained a constant for many," said Amy Turner, Board President for the New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA). "What the 2010 New York State Poverty report reveals is that poverty is truly a statewide concern. The economy is creating extreme challenges for both low-income and middle-income New Yorkers like we have never seen before. New York's 52 Community Action Agencies are working every day with struggling families to help them through these difficult times."

The 2010 New York State Poverty Report is designed to be a resource for community-based organizations, policy makers, advocates, community coalitions, and members of the general public working to address poverty in New York State. This Poverty Report adds value to the larger discussion around how to eliminate poverty in our communities, as well as how the much needed economic stimulus funds flowing into the State benefit the neediest New Yorkers.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 marked a crucial step forward in getting the economy back on track. "The recession has hit all New Yorkers hard and while parts of the economy are beginning to recover, we still have more families struggling to keep their heads above water every day," said Denise Harlow, NYSCAA CEO. "The current poverty levels are unacceptable and we know the number of families struggling is even greater, especially when a family of three making more than $18,310 is not considered poor and therefore uncounted in the rates on poverty our report discusses."

"However, without real numbers, it can often be difficult to frame the issues, structure solutions and work to create change," said Harlow. "This report offers the public an easy-to-use resource that is readily available. We know that many New Yorkers live in communities where the cost of living far exceeds the national average. The stress of our struggling economy only increases the burden facing New Yorkers, who face the daily struggle to feed and house their families."

This third edition of the New York State Poverty Report once again provides a variety of data on numerous poverty indicators, such as unemployment rates and the percentage of households living below the poverty line. New to this year's report are data highlighting the plight of the working poor and families headed by single women. Statistics of note in the report include:

The State's unemployment rate is 9%, up from less than 7% this time last year...

Nearly 50% of all families in poverty are headed by single women with children...

African Americans (1 in 5) and Hispanics (1 in 4) live in poor households at a disproportionally high rate 2.6 million individuals under the age of 65 do not have health insurance.

The US Census Bureau and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance are working toward redefining how the poverty threshhold is set. The threshhold is currently based on 1960s calculations. Advocates would like the official number set aroound $30,000 for a family of three.

CLICK HERE to view the 2010 New York State Poverty Report.
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