The Challenge

Millions of New Yorkers suffer as impact of the recession wears on

“I don’t remember a time, maybe even in the Great Depression, when things went down quite so fast, quite so uniformly around the world.”

Paul Volcker, Economic Advisor to President Barack Obama

For millions in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, the recession threatens their very existence whether it’s food, heat, medicine, clothing or shelter.

Who are these New Yorkers? They are the poor, the elderly, the homeless, the sick and thousands of innocent children. And now, more than ever, they are our friends and neighbors.

More and more New Yorkers are turning to social service agencies for survival, creating a huge strain on resources.

The Salvation Army’s service locations in New York have seen as much as a 200% spike in demand for basic needs services.

Our emergency food programs are heavily frequented by men and women who have suddenly lost their jobs, from minimum wage workers to those who considered themselves to be middle class.

We are doing our best to find creative solutions to meet this challenge, but supplies that once lasted a year now last only six months, and the need continues to increase.

To ensure that The Salvation Army will never be forced to turn anyone away from our doors, we know we must plan ahead and take bold steps.

Although the financial news gets a little better every day, experts caution that the recession will produce a profound need for long-term humanitarian aid.

Elevated unemployment will continue for years after Wall Street has steadied, as will the physical and emotional suffering of those without means to support themselves and their families.