Rochester City Council Member LaShay Harris Unveils Report on Childhood Poverty in Rochester
Rochester City Council member LaShay Harris, released a comprehensive report detailing the current state of childhood poverty in the city of Rochester. Compiled in collaboration with City Council’s People, Parks, and Public Works Committee and The Children’s Agenda, the report highlights troubling statistics and offers actionable recommendations to address this critical issue.
According to the report findings, 42% of children in Rochester are living in poverty—more than double the state average and nearly three times the national rate. Harris says this alarming figure underscores the systemic barriers facing children in the city, from housing instability and food insecurity to a lack of educational opportunities and healthcare. Only Syracuse has a higher child poverty rate (46%).
Among the key findings, the report identifies several root causes of childhood poverty, with community members, youth, and experts citing economic disparities, unemployment, and underemployment as major contributors. The survey also highlights the toll of structural racism and the high cost of living, which significantly exacerbate the challenges faced by families in poverty.
The report also emphasizes the importance of collaboration to tackle this issue. “It takes a village to put children first,” said Harris, reflecting on the need for joint efforts from local, state, and federal governments, as well as nonprofit and private sector partnerships.
Potential solutions put forth by the report include access to affordable early childcare, guaranteed income programs, workforce development, and investments in equitable educational opportunities. Youth respondents also suggested additional resources in communities, such as food trucks, healthcare programs, and better education programs, along with free housing and family counseling.
“Rochester’s unacceptably high rate of child poverty is the result of policy choices – not personal failures. As this report shows, among the most pressing challenges families face is the cost of meeting basic needs, including access to affordable, quality child care,” said Children’s Agenda CEO Larry Marx. “While our elected representatives in Albany now debate the state budget, this report calls on them to adopt the Working Families Tax Credit, as tax credits are a proven tool to reduce child poverty and make New York more affordable for all families. Children’s needs can’t wait for action; they are the definition of now.”
Another critical aspect discussed in the report is the role of community outreach. Over several months, the People, Parks, and Public Works Committee engaged with hundreds of residents and youth through surveys, forums, and expert testimonies. Their feedback provided invaluable insights into both the causes of poverty and potential solutions, which include advocating for policy reforms at the county, state, and federal levels.
The report also calls for continued investments in youth development, with suggestions such as better mentorship programs, career development training, and after-school initiatives. Additionally, experts emphasize the importance of a "people-first" approach in designing support systems that address the full scope of family needs, from housing and food security to mental health services.
As the City of Rochester moves forward, Harris urges further collaboration to implement these recommendations. "We must take decisive action to break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for every child in our community," she said.
The full report is available below.
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