A Chance In Life strengthens support for North Shore families amid rising poverty in New York City

As poverty rises across New York City, families in Staten Island’s North Shore are among the hardest hit. According to a recent report from Columbia University and Robin Hood, one in four New Yorkers struggles to afford essentials such as housing and food, a stark reminder of the growing economic divide. This crisis has been exacerbated by the expiration of pandemic-era government aid, leaving thousands of families in dire need of support.

At A Chance In Life, we are committed to standing by the most vulnerable members of our community during these challenging times. For 80 years, our nonprofit has worked to provide at-risk youth around the world with the resources they need to build brighter futures. In 2020, we extended our mission to the United States by opening The Village, a youth and community center in Staten Island’s North Shore, an area known for its high poverty rate and limited access to essential services.

One of our key initiatives at The Village is The Village Free Market, a client-choice food pantry that operates every Tuesday, offering families nutritious food and essential household supplies. Through generous partnerships with different organizations and foundations such as Northfield Bank Foundation, The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, and most recently with City Harvest, we ensure that struggling families have access to fresh produce, proteins, and pantry staples.

On Tuesday, February 25, A Chance In Life received its first delivery of fresh produce, protein, and pasta from City Harvest.

City Harvest plays a crucial role in the fight against food insecurity in New York City. As the city’s largest food rescue organization, they recover and deliver fresh food for free to communities in need across all five boroughs. Their latest research, in collaboration with The Fund for New York City and United Way, reveals that nearly 1.3 million New Yorkers are struggling to feed themselves and their families. Alarmingly, 50% of working-age households in New York City do not make enough to cover basic living expenses, making food insecurity a growing crisis. With the cost of living skyrocketing and critical government aid programs expiring, partnerships like ours with City Harvest are more vital than ever.

Since 2019, food pantry and soup kitchen visits have increased by 75%, with families with children experiencing the highest surge in demand. Through our partnership with City Harvest, we aim to bridge this gap by providing fresh and nutritious food to families who would otherwise struggle to put meals on the table. No New Yorker should have to choose between rent and food, and thanks to City Harvest’s unwavering commitment, The Village Free Market remains a dependable source of relief for the Staten Island North Shore community.

Beyond addressing immediate needs, we recognize that long-term change requires investment in our youth. At The Village, we provide programs rooted in the Positive Youth Development approach, we offer leadership workshops, educational resources, and community-building opportunities that equip young people with the skills and confidence to break the cycle of poverty. Programs such as The Youth Leadership Workshop have already made a profound impact, helping teens like Christialys, Aaman and Ibrahim, build resilience, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a sense of purpose.

The Village Free Market provides food supplies to families every Tuesday.

The statistics are sobering. Nearly 26% of children in New York City live in poverty, and on Staten Island’s North Shore, the numbers are even more alarming. Children here are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to those on the South Shore. The high school graduation rate lags behind other parts of the borough, further highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems.

At A Chance In Life, we are working tirelessly to bridge these gaps. The challenges are immense, but we believe that with the support of our partners, donors, and community members, we can create lasting change.

The Village is more than just a center—it is a lifeline for many families and young people striving for a better future. We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your support can make a tangible impact in the lives of those who need it most.

Together, we can ensure that no child goes to bed hungry, no family is left without resources, and every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

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Author
Elser Llanos

A Chance In Life strengthens support for North Shore families amid rising poverty in New York City

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