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FIGHTING
CHILDHOOD
POVERTY

Why This Issue Matters

Raising awareness and advocating for effective policies and resources to combat poverty are critical for ensuring that every child has access to basic necessities, education, and opportunities for a brighter future. Tackling child poverty is vital for creating a more equitable society and reducing long-term social and economic disparities. By prioritizing these efforts, we can work to break the cycle of poverty and foster a stronger, more inclusive community for all children.

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WCA’s Current Efforts

Pulse on Poverty
 
Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC Agenda)
 
 

Take Action

NY Can: https://newyorkcan.org/

 

Break the Cycle

Addressing child poverty is crucial for building a more equitable society and reducing long-term social and economic disparities.

Quote CALL-OUT

A renter in Westchester earning an average wage needs to work 75 hours a week or hold 1.9 jobs to afford a two-bedroom apartment. This is why Child & Youth Homelessness is a key issue area for WCA!
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WCA’s Current Efforts

  1. NEW! Volunteer for our Eviction Curt Watching Program (4/11/2023)
  2. See our Westchester County Child & Youth Homelessness Data Dashboard
  3. Released our report, “Making the Invisible Visible: Westchester’s Hidden Homeless Children and Youth.”
  4. Advocating for a broader definition and standards for alternative housing.
  5. Fighting for an accurate count of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
  6. Convening a workgroup focused on child and youth homelessness in Westchester.
  7. Expanding homeless prevention services targeting homeless children and youth.
READ THE REPORT
#WCAHOMELESSNESS
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The Issue at Hand

Many children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness slip through the cracks due to Westchester County’s complicated definitions and standards for assistance. Inaccurate data on homeless children and youth prevents us from understanding the full scale of the problem, hindering concentrated efforts to combat it. Westchester’s children and youth facing homelessness are caught in reactive systems that fail to focus on prevention.

What Is WCA Doing?

WCA released the report, “Making the Invisible Visible: Westchester’s Hidden Homeless Children and Youth,” available for download. This initial publication shares findings from our nearly two-year investigation. We are now advancing this work and seeking partnerships across the county.
  • Advocating for Broader Definitions: We push for Westchester to adopt a common-sense definition of homelessness, including those lacking adequate housing alternatives. The current system leaves too many children and families without services.
  • Ensuring Accurate Counts: We fight for a representative count of homeless children and youth, using adequate housing as the standard, to properly allocate resources.
  • Forming a Collaborative Workgroup: We are creating an inclusive workgroup focused on child and youth homelessness, recruiting partners affected by and working with this issue.
  • Expanding Prevention Services: We increase funding and awareness for programs that prevent homelessness before it disrupts lives. Prevention is more effective than responding to its aftermath.

To Learn More or Get Involved

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470 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 304
White Plains, NY 10605
914.946.7676
[email protected]

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  • Child & Youth Homelessness
  • Home Visiting / Early Childhood Development
  • Youth Justice / Raise the Age
  • Youth Development