On Tuesday, December 9th, the Census Bureau released statistics from the American Communities Survey that were compiled for areas with less than 65,000 residents.  

CVH members held a holiday-themed press conference to announce the poverty statistics and call on City Officials to stop ignoring the widespread poverty that they and their families live through every day.  Their message was: you can't ignore poverty anymore!

CVH member Susan Smith announced that poverty had risen since the 2000 Census - now more than 28% of Newburgh residents live in poverty.  She also pointed out that the median rent had grown from $614 to $926 in only 5 years!  More than 61% of Newburgh residents now spend more than 30% of their income on rent.  Susan explained that as a disabled widow, the government assistance she receives is barely enough to cover her rent, let alone utility and food costs.

Leader Yusuf Belford, who is currently homeless, talked about the  hypocrisy of Social Services spending $1500 per month to house him in a motel but only giving him $300 towards rent.

Leader Maretta Melvin, a 50 year Newburgh resident who lived through Urban Renewal, spoke about the importance of saving low-income housing.  "We pay taxes, we vote, and we deserve a voice in the future of our city too!" she exclaimed. You can read the members' testimonies below.

Our ally Jim McElhinney from the Newburgh Ministry spoke about the dramatic increase in families needing a free Thanksgiving meal this year.  As the director of a resource center for homeless and low-income people, he added, "We all have a right to affordable housing."

CVH members draw attention to City's practice of spending money meant for low-income residents in ways that fail to benefit our communities.  Singing carols like "Where's the Dough?" to the tune of "Let it Snow" and "Deck the Halls with Grant Money," members entertained people passing by and Councilwoman Angelo who also stopped by.  Check out the CVH Holiday Carols below!

Brenda McPhail, who MC'd the event, invited City, County, and State officials to "walk a day in our shoes."  

The Times Herald Record, the Mid-Hudson News, the Sentinel, Hudson Valley Press, and Cable 6 News covered the event.