Ossining teen takes on poverty

from Lower Hudson dot com

Kevin Zawacki

OSSINING - When asked on a college application what he felt strongly about, Ossining High School senior Omar Herrera thought of some of the people struggling to live and get by in one of the wealthiest places in America.

"The issue of poverty leapt to mind," explained Herrera. "Many don't realize that, according to the Westchester Food Bank, an estimated 200,000 people are hungry in Westchester County."

Herrera, who is working as summer intern for state Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, D-Ossining, had those thoughts in mind when he decided to organize a community forum on poverty. He promoted the Wednesday night event by sending fliers home to every parent in the Ossining public schools, putting up posters throughout the village and speaking about it the Sunday before to the congregations at St. Ann's Church and First Presbyterian Church.

The forum drew about 30 people to the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center in Broadway to discuss the implications of being poor in an affluent suburb.

"People don't want to talk about poverty," said Westchester County Legislator William Burton, D-Ossining. "But one out of every five people goes to bed hungry in this county."

Burton was among seven panelists who explored the connections between poverty and the economy, government, education, and religion.

The majority of the discussion revolved around the elusive pursuit of affordable housing.

"Safe, decent, affordable housing lays the foundation for a family's economic security," said Reggie Bush, president of Ossining's Interfaith Council for Action. "But families with income below the poverty level can't afford that."

Bush drew parallels between homeownership and educational success, civic involvement, and health. He also noted several obstacles that prevent residents from obtaining affordable housing, including a lack of rent caps and poor advertising.

Charlie Knight, area director for Ossining's Community Action Program, elaborated on the subject.

"Ossining needs more than affordable housing - it needs low-income housing," she said. "Only then can we help people become self-sufficient."

The panel also focused on the relationship between poverty and education. Angela White, Ossining schools assistant superintendent for elementary education, stressed the importance of education.

White noted that teachers should begin to tune into children's economic problems and encourage them to overcome those obstacles.

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