This Robin Hood Moment

What does it take to rebuild your life when you’ve fallen through the cracks—after the job is gone, the rent’s past due, and there’s no safety net to catch you?In New York City, the margin for error is razor thin—especially for low-income workers. One missed paycheck can mean eviction. One illness can mean job loss. One childcare emergency can unravel a household. For many New Yorkers, there is no cushion. There is no safety net. There is only the cost of choice: working while sick, delaying care, or turning down opportunity because stability is always on the line.In this episode, we explore how workforce development can serve as a bridge—not just to employment, but to restored stability—after someone has already fallen through the cracks. Our guest is Aaron Shiffman, Executive Director of Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI), a nonprofit that has spent over 25 years helping New Yorkers build in-demand skills and launch careers in industries like transportation, media production, woodworking, and construction. For BWI, training isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point of long-term support and upward mobility.Together, we examine what it takes to help someone rebuild after crisis, how BWI navigates the gaps in public systems, and why meaningful employment remains one of the most powerful tools to fight poverty in New York City.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.Support Robin Hood’s work to elevate New Yorkers out of poverty at https://give.robinhood.org/give/61654/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=YT.LEARN MOREhttps://www.robinhood.org/ https://www.facebook.com/robinhood/https://www.instagram.com/robinhoodnyc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/robin-hood/https://twitter.com/robinhoodnyc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when every choice you make for your child comes at the cost of another?For parents living in poverty, raising a child in New York City can feel like navigating an impossible maze of tradeoffs. Do you skip work to care for a sick child and risk losing your job? Do you buy groceries or pay for internet so they can finish their homework? Do you move into a more affordable apartment—even if it means transferring your child out of a good school? While most parents make choices to give their kids more, low-income parents are often forced to choose which basic needs they can afford to meet.In this episode, we sit down with Phoebe Boyer, President & CEO of the Children’s Aid, to explore how poverty reshapes the possibilities of childhood. We’ll hear what’s at stake for kids when families live paycheck to paycheck, and the systemic investments—in education, health, housing, and family support — that can help children thrive. This is a conversation about protecting potential, and the urgent need to create a city where every child has a real shot at a better future.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.Support Robin Hood’s work to elevate New Yorkers out of poverty at https://give.robinhood.org/give/61654/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=YT.LEARN MOREhttps://www.robinhood.org/https://www.facebook.com/robinhood/https://www.instagram.com/robinhoodnyc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/robin-hood/https://twitter.com/robinhoodnyc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when eating well isn’t a choice—but a calculation?When the cost of food forces impossible choices, what would you give up to keep your family fed? In this episode, This Robin Hood Moment welcomes Leslie Gordon, President & CEO of Food Bank For New York City, to explore how rising grocery prices, stagnant wages, and looming federal cuts to programs like SNAP are reshaping the daily realities for millions of New Yorkers. Leslie shares on-the-ground insights into how families weigh food against other essentials—housing, child care, healthcare—and what it will take to ensure no New Yorker has to choose between eating dinner and keeping the lights on.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.Support Robin Hood’s work to elevate New Yorkers out of poverty at https://give.robinhood.org/give/61654/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=YT.LEARN MOREhttps://www.robinhood.org/https://www.facebook.com/robinhood/https://www.instagram.com/robinhoodnyc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/robin-hood/https://twitter.com/robinhoodnyc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when keeping your home means so much more than paying your rent?Keeping your home in New York City takes more than just paying the rent—it takes navigating an invisible maze of systems. Affordable child care, steady employment, timely public benefits, and support in moments of crisis all determine whether a family can hold on to housing long term. In this episode, we speak with Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Social Services, about how she is reimagining the safety net to make it easier for New Yorkers to not only find housing but to keep it. From breaking down bureaucratic barriers to connecting families with the services they don’t even know exist, we explore what it really takes to stay home in the city.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.Support Robin Hood’s work to elevate New Yorkers out of poverty at https://give.robinhood.org/give/61654/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=YT.LEARN MOREhttps://www.robinhood.org/https://www.facebook.com/robinhood/https://www.instagram.com/robinhoodnyc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/robin-hood/https://twitter.com/robinhoodnyc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when going to the doctor means risking your paycheck, your rent, or your livelihood?In New York City, getting sick can cost more than your health—it can cost you your paycheck, your rent, or even your job. For low-income workers who lack paid sick leave, time off for a doctor’s visit or recovery isn’t an option; it’s a luxury. That impossible tradeoff—between caring for your health and staying afloat financially—is all too common in a city where essential workers keep the city running, even when they’re running on empty. Whether dealing with chronic illness, long COVID, or everyday ailments, these New Yorkers are often left to choose between healing and survival.In this episode, our hosts Kevin Thompson and Crystal Cooper are joined by Dr. Jonathan Jiménez, Executive Director of NYC Care at NYC Health + Hospitals, to examine how the city is working to close the care gap for those left out of the traditional health system—especially the uninsured. Dr. Jiménez brings years of public health and clinical experience to the conversation, reflecting on the structural barriers that force people to sacrifice their well-being for economic stability—and how NYC Care is creating pathways to primary care, dignity, and long-term health for all. This is a conversation about what kind of city we become when the basic right to get better is out of reach for those who keep our city going.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.Support Robin Hood’s work to elevate New Yorkers out of poverty at https://give.robinhood.org/give/61654/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=YT.LEARN MOREhttps://www.robinhood.org/https://www.facebook.com/robinhood/https://www.instagram.com/robinhoodnyc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/robin-hood/https://twitter.com/robinhoodnyc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to "This Robin Hood Moment" with your hosts Crystal Cooper and Kevin Thompson. What does it really cost to raise a child in NYC? In this episode, with special guest Reshma Saujani—Founder and CEO of Moms First, Founder of Girls Who Code and bestselling author of Brave, Not Perfect"—we explore why current benefits fall short in covering the needs of families, especially in a city with such a high cost of living. We discuss the New York State Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council's proposals to raise the CTC to $2,000 for younger children and how these changes could make a profound difference in reducing the financial burden on families, providing them a chance to thrive rather than just survive.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts, and you can find Robin Hood on X/Twitter @robinhoodnyc.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.“This Robin Hood Moment” is hosted by Kevin Thompson and Crystal Cooper. The show is produced and edited by Cory Winter, with graphic design by Mary Power. Additional motion graphics and footage are provided by Motion Array. Our theme music is from Epidemic Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to "This Robin Hood Moment" with your hosts Crystal Cooper and Kevin Thompson. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the groundbreaking work of the New York State Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC), established under the Child Poverty Reduction Act signed into law in December 2021. This initiative sets a bold goal of reducing child poverty in New York State by 50% by 2031. We explore how this legislation came to be and the role it plays in shaping policies aimed at lifting children out of poverty.Our featured guest, Kate Breslin, President & CEO of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (SCAA), played a pivotal role in bringing this landmark legislation to fruition. Under Kate’s leadership, SCAA led the charge in advocating for the Child Poverty Reduction Act. She joins us to discuss the council’s work, upcoming recommendations, and the potential policy changes that could reshape the lives of New York’s most vulnerable families. We also touch on the ongoing process of drafting and refining the Council’s recommendations, leading up to the final vote scheduled for December 18, 2024, and what’s next for the fight against child poverty.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts, and you can find Robin Hood on X/Twitter @robinhoodnyc.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org.“This Robin Hood Moment” is hosted by Kevin Thompson and Crystal Cooper. The show is produced and edited by Cory Winter, with graphic design by Mary Power. Additional motion graphics and footage are provided by Motion Array. Our theme music is from Epidemic Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to "This Robin Hood Moment" with your hosts Crystal Cooper and Kevin Thompson. In this episode, we delve into the unveiling of the newest affordable housing development in Inwood, what Robin Hood affectionately calls “New Stories,” showcasing the city's potential to create beautiful, affordable homes in innovative spaces. The spotlight falls on the Eliza Apartments, providing 174 affordable units, alongside amenities and green spaces, as part of the redevelopment of the Inwood Library. With guests David Saltzman, founder, board member, and former Executive Director of Robin Hood; Bea De la Torre, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Trinity Church Wall Street; Tony Marx, President & CEO, New York Public Library; Vicki Been, Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, and former commissioner, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, this transformative project not only addresses housing needs but also enhances community infrastructure, reflecting a vision for inclusive urban development. In 2023, Robin Hood funded partners that built and preserved nearly 1,700 units of affordable housing and prevented evictions for more than 3,100 families. But with a staggering 70,000 applicants for just 174 spots at the Eliza Apartments, it's clear that the demand far outweighs the supply. In this episode, we explore the urgent need to replicate this model across New York City, utilizing underutilized land, such as certain library branches, for affordable housing.With hosts Kevin Thompson and Crystal Cooper, we explore the vital role philanthropy had in unlocking New Stories, and why this model needs to be replicated across NYC.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts, and you can find Robin Hood on X/Twitter @robinhoodnyc.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org."This Robin Hood Moment" is produced and edited by Cory Winter; graphics are produced by Mary Power; visual content captured by Olivia Waldron and additionally provided by Motion Array; fact-checking by Chloe Sarnoff; music and sound are provided by Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Susan Sack, Emary Aronson, and especially our donors—the Rosenblatts—Sam, Sarah, and Jill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to "This Robin Hood Moment" with your hosts Crystal Cooper and Kevin Thompson. In this episode, we delve into the dire state of affordable housing. New York City is still the largest and most expensive rental market in the county. The rental vacancy rate has plummeted to a historic low of 1.4%; more than half of households are rent-burdened, thousands are on the brink of eviction, and a record number of New Yorkers are living in shelters and staying in them longer than ever before. This crisis boils down to a sheer lack of affordable housing supply on the market and insufficient protections to keep vulnerable tenants from losing their homes. After years of political gridlock – and a failed attempt to galvanize cities and towns statewide to pursue ambitious construction targets – in April, Governor Hochul signed into law a housing deal that purports to offer relief. But is it enough?Robin Hood, a key player in the fight for housing justice, devised a bold plan this year that harnesses innovation to unlock pathways to build more units, champions tenants’ rights, and offers subsidies as a lifeline to families struggling to make ends meet. Now that the ink has dried on Albany’s FY25 New York State budget, today, we speak with Jessica Katz, former NYC Chief Housing Officer and key architect of Robin Hood’s comprehensive housing plan, on the road toward housing access for all.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts, and you can find Robin Hood on X/Twitter @robinhoodnyc.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org."This Robin Hood Moment" is produced by Cory Winter; graphics are produced by Mary Power; visuals are provided by Motion Array; music and sound are provided by Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Jessica Katz and Chloe Sarnoff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to "This Robin Hood Moment" with your host Crystal Cooper. January marks the beginning of the budgeting process for New York State and City, crucial for funding essential services and programs. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams recently unveiled their proposed budgets, sparking intense analysis and advocacy. Join us as we delve into the implications for fighting poverty in NYC with Robin Hood’s Chief Public Policy Officer, Jason Cone.In this episode, we explore how state and city budgets serve as tools in the fight against poverty; key proposals aligning with Robin Hood’s mission, including healthcare advocacy to alleviate financial burdens on New Yorkers; gaps between proposed allocations and the critical needs of struggling New Yorkers; influential factors shaping this year's budget outcome, such as economic forecasts and allocations for addressing the migrant crisis.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts, and you can find Robin Hood on X/Twitter @robinhoodnyc.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org."This Robin Hood Moment" is produced by Cory Winter; graphics are produced by Mary Power; visuals are provided by Motion Array; music and sound are provided by Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Jason Cone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.