The Westchester Children’s Association has released the latest update to its Poverty Pulse Dashboard, offering a timely, community-driven look at the economic pressures facing children and families across Westchester County.
The Q2 2026 data covers April through June 2026. It shows families still reaching out for help at much higher levels than a year ago. Calls to the United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s 211 Help Line for essential needs rose to more than 2,100 this quarter, compared with about 1,400 during the same months in 2025. That’s an increase of more than 50 percent. Housing was the most common reason people called, with nearly 1,100 housing-related calls over the three months. Calls for help with utility bills were about two and a half times higher than last spring. Community partners also saw steady demand for everyday essentials. The Sharing Shelf received nearly 2,000 clothing requests during the quarter, and 914Cares distributed more than 6,000 period supply kits, up nearly 20 percent from the same period last year.
These trends show that for many families, the pressure hasn’t let up. Month-to-month numbers can go up and down, but compared with last year, families are still asking for help with the basics: keeping a roof over their heads, keeping the lights on, and making sure their children have what they need. Data gathered directly from community-based organizations helps show these needs as they develop, and gives important context for understanding what children and families are facing.
The Poverty Pulse Dashboard brings together data from five organizations working directly with individuals and families across Westchester County: 914Cares, Feeding Westchester, The Sharing Shelf, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and Westhab, Inc. Together, their insights give a clearer picture of the needs affecting communities throughout the county.
The data collected through Poverty Pulse helps inform WCA’s advocacy efforts, strengthen collaboration among community partners, and support conversations around policies and investments that improve outcomes for children and families.
The Westchester Children’s Association thanks the WCA Data Team for its ongoing work to collect, analyze, and present this information. WCA is also grateful to its Poverty Pulse partners for their continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening the community’s understanding of local needs.
Together, these organizations are helping build a clearer picture of economic hardship in Westchester and supporting more informed, data-driven efforts to create stronger, more equitable communities for children and families.
