Approximately one-third of Bronx residents are currently living below the poverty line and this year alone, POTS will help close to 40,000 people, including 12,000 children, with a multitude of needs.
POTS’ services address the varying issues and complexities that accompany poverty by helping clients find stability across areas such as financial wellbeing, health, education, housing and day-to-day needs. By providing comprehensive and personalized support to our clients, we are able to address their unique circumstances and help navigate a pathway forward.
In 2020, POTS maintained its commitment to addressing the emergent needs of the community and providing consistent services to clients in need throughout the pandemic by responding to an array of client needs that were exacerbated by COVID-19.
In 2020:
Meals
and pantry.
People
served
in economic
value to the
community
In 2020:
- POTS’ Emergency Food Programs provided 2,301,307 total meals to over 12,000 households in 2020, more than doubling what was distributed in 2019.
- Through POTS’ Day to Day Services, 1,100 people were helped by the mail facilities and the shower program was re-introduced in October, 2020 after a temporary suspension due to the pandemic.
- POTS’ Legal Clinic prevented 180 evictions despite extended eviction moratoria which slowed the evictions process and pandemic-restricted ability to conduct legal services.
- POTS’ general case management team helped over 14,000 clients access more than $7,000,000 in public benefits, such as SNAP benefits and public assistance.
- While unemployment rates skyrocketed, POTS helped to place 41 people in full and part-time employment during the pandemic and continues to help clients with long-term goals around employment. Additionally, the Workforce Development team conducted 219 client assessments and connected 90 people to employment training.
- POTS’ social services coordinator has assisted 60 clients seeking mental health support, including placing 8 formerly homeless, mentally-ill clients in supportive housing.
- POTS’ Next Step Services team distributed over $400,000 in direct emergency assistance to over 600 households who have found themselves in danger of eviction, electrical turnoff, facing lost employment, without Unemployment Insurance benefits, lacking the resources for remote schooling, or otherwise in financial need.
- POTS distributed more than 90,000 masks and 17,000 hand sanitizers to clients who could not afford to purchase hygiene and sanitation products for themselves.