Poverty on the Rise in New York City

The Brian Lehrer Show | Mar 17

A new report by Robin Hood and Columbia University found that the poverty rate in New York City has continued to climb, with 26 percent of the city's population now struggling economically. Richard Buery, CEO of the anti-poverty organization Robin Hood and former NYC deputy mayor for strategic policy initiatives, talks the findings of the report and what might be coming in the near future as the effects of federal cuts kick in.

Photo: A volunteer fills a basket for a person in need of food at the Reaching Out Community Services food pantry on November 06, 2025, in Brooklyn borough of New York City. This popular Brooklyn food pantry has been feeding thousands of New Yorkers each month while offering a variety of other services to those in need. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images.

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