Pandemic has created increased demand and challenges for Northeast Ohio non-profits: Town Hall

Cleveland is the poorest large city in the country according to the most recent Census data, and the pandemic only increased the need for community resources. We discussed the current poverty landscape with community leaders in a virtual town hall held in June, and this holiday week, we thought it deserved a second listen.

The conversation, called "Fighting Poverty in a Pandemic" was hosted by ideastream's Managing Producer of Health, Marlene Harris Taylor and featured non-profit leaders from across Northeast Ohio.

The conversation focused on community leaders talking about how the pandemic has impacted our region’s most vulnerable, and how non-profits, community organizations, and local agencies stepped in to meet the increased demand for help. It was also a discussion of what gaps in the system still need to be addressed.  

Marlene Harris-Taylor, Managing Producer for Health, Ideastream Public Media

Kristin Warzocha, President & CEO, Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Frank Brickner, Interim CEO, OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County
Dr. Jackie Chisholm, President and CEO, Step Forward
Victor Ruiz, Executive Director, Esperanza
Natoya Walker Minor, Deputy General Manager, Administration and External Affairs, Greater Cleveland RTA