Breaking the Bank: The High Cost of Low-Income Living
Why does it cost so much to be poor? NYC is an expensive place to live—and it’s the most expensive for New Yorkers living from paycheck to paycheck.
A discussion about how low-income New Yorkers manage their financial lives and the challenges they face, exploring how diverse resources, from loan funds to check cashers to fintech startups, are responding to the financial needs of struggling New Yorkers.
About the Panelists
Moderator: Ron Lieber
New York Times Financial Columnist & Author
Ron is the “Your Money” columnist for the New York Times; his column is about anything and everything that hits you in the wallet, from investing to paying for college to mortgages and homes. Before coming to the Times, Ron helped develop the personal finance website FiLife and wrote for the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Fortune.
Rabbi David Rosenn
Executive Director of the Hebrew Free Loan Society
David leads the Hebrew Free Loan Society, which fosters financial stability and long-term security among New Yorkers in need through interest-free lending. David is the founder and former executive director of AVODAH: the Jewish Service Corps, and served as executive vice president of the New Israel Fund. David received his rabbinic ordination from The Jewish Theological Seminary.
Professor Lisa Servon
University of Pennsylvania Professor and Department Chair, City and Regional Planning
Lisa conducts research in the areas of urban poverty, community development, economic development, and issues of gender and race; specific areas of expertise include economic insecurity, consumer financial services, and financial justice. Lisa was previously professor of management and urban policy at the New School, where she also served as dean at the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy.
Hon. Carmen de la Rosa
New York State Assemblywoman
Carmen is the assembly member for the 72nd District of the New York State Assembly, which includes portions of Washington Heights, Hudson Heights, Inwood, and Marble Hill in Manhattan. Previously, Carmen served as chief of staff to NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. She serves as a member of several NY State Assembly committees, including Banks, Housing, and Mental Health.
This event was co-hosted by the Louis Finkelstein Institute for Religious & Social Studies at The Jewish Theological Seminary, the Hebrew Free Loan Society, the Interfaith Center of New York, and JCC Harlem.
