Fernandez announces $100K
for anti-poverty initiatives
Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez allocates $100,000 to combat child poverty. Photo by Jason Cohen
BRONX TIMES R 24 EPORTER, JULY 2-8, 2021 BTR
BY JASON COHEN
As the third-most densely populated
county in the United States, the
Bronx is also home to a 30% poverty
rate. In fact, it also one of the poorest
counties in the country.
With the pandemic hurting families
financially this past year, people
are now struggling more than ever.
Sensing this, one lawmaker stepped
up to the plate. On June 16, Assemblywoman
Nathalia Fernandez, a Democrat,
announced the allocation of New
York state funding to Children’s Aid
to support work being done in the
Bronx to help low-income families
combat poverty.
In 2016, the Bronx was identified
as one of 16 regions across the state to
participate in the Empire State Poverty
Reduction Initiative (ESPRI), locally
known as Bronx Impact. Bronx
Impact is convened by Children’s Aid,
in close partnership with the Borough
President’s office.
“This work is helping connect individuals
and families at or near poverty
with the resources they need, whether
it be housing assistance, emergency
food assistance, access to health care,
transportation, workforce development
and educational assistance,”
Fernandez said. “Young Bronxites deserve
better opportunities that support
them in breaking the cycles of
poverty that have been unduly placed
upon them. I am humbled to provide
funding to Children’s Aid NYC in their
efforts and work with them as we uplift
the future of our state.”
One of Bronx Impact’s signature
programs is my.BronxImpact.org, an
online resource directory that lists
more than 4,000 Bronx-based services
and programs. Residents can
get help in their neighborhood by
entering their zip code and search
terms. In 2020, my.BronxImpact.org
supported the connection of more
than 12,000 Bronxites to services in
their area.
Among the people who are on the
front lines of fighting child poverty
is Rose DeStefano, senior director of
Collective Impact at Children’s Aid.
DeStefano told the Bronx Times
that her organization doesn’t just
hand out laptops and meals, but also
deals with things at the policy level
pertaining to digital equity, food access
and open space.
According to DeStefano, poverty
has plagued the Bronx, specifically
the south Bronx for several years and
the financial boost from Fernandez
can help Children’s Aid keep doing its
job.
“We cannot thank Assemblywoman
Fernandez enough for her support
and belief in the important work
we are doing to ensure that every individual
and family in the Bronx can
self-determine their future with dignity
and respect,” DeStefano said.
“The pandemic only amplified the
need for connectivity here the Bronx,
and we have so much more work to do.
This funding ensures that this important
work can continue at a time when
the Bronx needs it most.”
/my.BronxImpact.org
/my.BronxImpact.org