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At the Community Service Society of New York research is a critical tool we use to increase our understanding of conditions that drive poverty as we advocate for public policy and programs that will improve the economic standing of low-income New Yorkers. Throughout our history, our program innovations and policy solutions have been grounded in social science research; from the development of a social work curriculum that led to the founding of the Columbia University School of Social Work to the examination of disparities in the labor market and their effect upon the working poor.

CSS policy experts conduct rigorous research, analyze issues, and recommend solutions for issues ranging from affordable housing, jobs, education and universal health care, to access to public benefits. While our policy department seeks broader, systemic solutions to alleviate poverty, our program and service staff provides immediate help for individuals. In many ways the two areas complement the other, gaining empirical evidence and shaping best practices, and vice verse.

Our research has been influential in shaping public policies to benefit low-income New Yorkers, so much so that policy makers, the media and other nonprofit organizations turn to us for a better understanding of issues that impact low-wage residents in New York City, our State and nation. CSS’s staff frequently testifies at legislative hearings; brief elected officials and their staffs; publish policy briefs, Op-Eds and reports; speak at forums; and work in coalition with fellow advocates. In addition, our annual survey of low-income New Yorkers, “The Unheard Third,” brings the voices of low-income New Yorkers to the public debate.