The New York Cash Assistance Narratives Network is a new statewide coalition dedicated to changing the narrative around cash assistance and its recipients. The Network will focus on narrative change as its primary advocacy strategy because historically cash assistance has been stigmatized and used as a tool to perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes and harmful misinformation about its recipients. More broadly, conversations about poverty in the U.S. continue to frame the issue as a personal failing rather than a systemic injustice.
Our new report shares findings from 32 in-depth interviews and a statewide survey that we conducted with New Yorkers who receive cash assistance, many of whom meet the federal government’s definition of “deep poverty” and face serious barriers to economic mobility.
Our report centers their stories because too often, discussions about poverty and economic inequality overlook the everyday lived reality that New Yorkers face—the difficult choices, the emotional toll, and the shame cast upon individuals, families, and entire communities. This report sheds light on that lived reality by letting New Yorkers receiving cash assistance tell their own stories, both about what they are struggling with now, but also about what they have overcome and what their hopes are for the future.
We hope the report challenges the deeply engrained narratives that portray people experiencing poverty as morally inferior, lazy, or undeserving, and reignites a conversation about policy solutions that center dignity and equity and provide a path to long-term economic mobility for those with the lowest incomes.
It’s clear that Cash Assistance, at its current level, is inadequate and does not provide enough for New Yorkers to meet their basic needs. Stay tuned for how FPWA will be teaming up with Cash Assistance advocates across the state to push for transformative change!
Most recently, FPWA joined advocates and lawmakers at a rally in Albany hosted by the End Poverty Now! Increase Cash Assistance campaign to call on the legislature to increase the grants, which have not been updated in decades. You can find out more about the rally on Empire Justice Center’s website.
We are seeking participants for a paid interview to discuss their experiences with cash assistance to aid our advocacy for a better program.
If you are a current or former recipient of cash assistance (Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance; also referred to as “public assistance” or “welfare”) and interested in participating, fill out a brief form below (available in English, Spanish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese).
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Learn more about the measure and the National True Cost of Living Coalition at nationaltruecostofliving.org
The interactive open data dashboard helps you visualize and track the city budget, with a specific focus on the critical human services funding we rely on.
Don’t forget to also check out our new analysis
FPWA has recently been receiving claims from members of the public emailing and calling our offices that individuals posing as FPWA agents have contacted them claiming that in order for the recipient to claim grant monies from FPWA they must first send the agent personal information, a cell phone number, gift card codes or money.
FPWA does not use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), text messages or direct phone contact to solicit, review, or make awards. FPWA staff will not call or message you requesting money in order to be eligible for an award.
Further, FPWA does not make grants directly to individuals. FPWA works with its member agency partners and other reputable community-based organizations to direct support to families and individuals in our community.
If you or someone you know has been contacted by someone posing to be an “FPWA Agent” or staff person requesting money to release a grant, please do the following:
If you have questions prior to reporting your incident, view the IC3 FAQs for more information.
