Mayor Kenney Gives Update On Poverty Reduction Program
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Three years in to an intensive poverty reduction program, Philadelphia remains the poorest big city in the country but, in an annual report released on Thursday, city officials report that thousands of people have benefited from the program, with the hope of eventually moving out of poverty.
City officials, though, are concerned about the future of the program.
"I want to thank you for re-energizing me, because I came in here a little depressed," began Mayor Jim Kenney.
Mayor Kenney says he's heartened by the progress of the so-called "Shared Prosperity" program: 5300 people receiving benefits, 10,000 stabilizing their finances, 900 in more secure housing, all things his Director of Empowerment of Opportunity Mitchell Little says, that lead out of poverty.
"Folks are a little bit more secure, the edge is off a bit. Now they can go look for work," said Little.
But it was impossible to ignore the implications of Donald Trump's election. He's said he'd cut or end many of the programs Shared Prosperity rests on.
"It's been a tough couple days, but I know if we put our minds to it and we stick together, we'll all do well," Mayor Kenney reassured.
