Poverty is not a new phenomenon in Philadelphia, but 16 years into the millennium, it has become an increasingly widespread reality. Measuring at a 28%, Philly has the worst poverty rate of the ten largest cities in America. This is a real problem, affecting the lives of nearly 440,000 people in our city. As more and more people become disconnected from lifeline resources and opportunities for upward mobility dwindle, both poverty and inequality will continue to negatively impact our communities. But it's not enough to identify the problem. We must ask what drives these trends and what can be done to address them.
Many in our community are actively elevating these issues, and if you would like to join the discussion and learn about the some of the solutions that organizations across the city are exploring, then save the date for Thursday, June 9th, for an engaging forum with practitioners and thought leaders who are addressing these questions from many directions, including food access, education, and criminal justice.
Panelists include:
Councilwoman Helen Gym
Dwayne Wharton, The Food Trust
Katie Colaneri, StateImpact PA, WHYY
Cynthia Figueroa, Congreso de Latinos Unidos
Moderated by Nyron Crawford, Temple University and BeHeard Philly
Interested in learning how you can hit the ground running and get involved? Stop by and chat with some of our tabling partners who will be there to answer any questions that you might have!
Back on My Feet Philadelphia
PA Prison Society
Project HOME
Ready, Willing, & Able
SHARE Food Program
Broad Street Ministry
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
HIAS PA