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The need for these programs is great as nearly $2 billion in state and federal money that is set aside for poor New Yorkers goes unclaimed due to individuals not being aware of their eligibility and because of barriers to applying – especially for full-time workers and low-literacy populations. CSS believes that the alleviation of key hardships is the first step toward helping families get on a pathway out of poverty, and that access to existing public benefit programs combined with financial education can significantly move people from poverty to financial stability. The Financial Advocacy Program consists of the following projects which draw on CSS’s successful programming experience and expertise in training and working with older adult volunteers, age 55 or older.
The Advocacy, Counseling and Entitlement Services (ACES) Project helps low-income New Yorkers receive needed public benefits and services. Volunteers receive training in Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, Public Assistance, housing, and many other government benefit programs. After successfully completing the training course, ACES volunteers work in hospitals and community-based agencies throughout New York City, where they provide information and referrals, screen for eligibility for public benefits, advocate for clients when they run into problems, and help people fill out applications. In 2010, over 5,000 individuals received information and advocacy on 6,000 public benefit related issues.
In 2007, RSVP launched a new initiative, the Financial Coaching Corps, which is designed to build the financial capabilities of low-wage individuals, families, and young adults throughout New York City. Recent subprime loan scandals targeting poor communities are in fact prime testimony to the need for education programs that help low-income residents understand money management. The findings of CSS’s most recent Unheard Third survey indicate that 43 percent of low-income respondents use non-banking financial services such as check-cashing stores and payday loans at least once a month. To support those in need of money management skills, volunteers are trained to serve as financial coaches. The coaches work one-on-one with individuals, guiding them in self-selected areas of financial literacy including: creating a budget and setting financial goals; organizing and prioritizing bills; obtaining and reviewing credit reports; screening for public benefits and tax credits; and opening a bank account and avoiding fringe banking services. The volunteers work with individuals on an ongoing basis providing education and support with the goal of improving the clients’ financial health and stability.
Rebecca Haase
Program DirectorFinancial Advocacy Program
212.614.5482
rhaase@cssny.org
Financial Advocacy Program