Local non-profit combats poverty in Syracuse

Syracuse is home to a diverse community. But, many residents across the city face a common challenge: poverty. 

Non-profit fights poverty

Al Amin Muhammad is the founder of the non-profit We Rise Above the Streets. The organization strives to support those in poverty and facing homelessness in Syracuse. Every Saturday they host "Sandwich Saturdays” in which they have volunteers make sandwiches and give them to residents in need. 

“We got people joining, and making an impact,” said Muhammad. “It’s really shaking up the city. We got all the people together: not just one race, not one religion, everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are if you got…empathy, you belong here.” 

Muhammad didn’t come from a privileged household. It wasn’t until he faced time in prison for drug dealing that he realized the need to change his life around. He spent time homeless, and picked himself up. He said that he believes that his story is a reminder to those facing poverty. From the beginning, he knew the impact an organization like his could have on the community.

Sandwich Saturday has become an important source for food and clothes for many living in impoverished communities.

Poverty Rates

According to the Census Reporter, 31.6% of residents live below the poverty line in Syracuse. It’s a number significantly higher than the New York state average which is around 14.2%. 

“Syracuse is number two in poverty,” Muhammad said. “When we mean poverty, we mean it as people that still have homes and apartments, but they’re struggling with food and keeping their bills paid, and it's hard to find a job.”

Among those rates, child poverty is even higher in Syracuse at 45.6%. The result is long-term effects on health, education, and future economic opportunities. Children growing up in poverty are more likely to experience food insecurity, struggle in school, and face barriers to healthcare and safe housing. These challenges can make it harder for them to break the cycle of poverty as they grow older.

The need for funding

Muhammad said he believes that organizations like his, ones that have a boots on the ground approach, should be better funded. He believes that programs like this are where those in poverty get the most help; every Saturday, there are residents that rely on his services. 

“I started realizing the things we take for granted,” Muhammad said. “I started taking for granted the things right in front of me, like plates, spoons, hot food.” 

Steve Smith has been working for We Rise Above the Streets for 5 years. Over time he’s grown to not only give back to the community, but truly know the community. 

“Here, I have friends on the street, I love helping people out,” Smith said. “I don’t put myself above anyone else – we talk and visit and sometimes that's all they need.”

It’s a community found in the hardest of truths, and one that those who are involved in say is important to maintain.

“When you fund us, this is how we solve some of these crucial problems,” Muhammad said.

Volunteers help make sandwiches to donate. 

Hope in humanity

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by many families in Syracuse, local groups and volunteers are continuing to work tirelessly to support those most affected. Looking forward, grassroot organizations stand strong in their fight against poverty.

“It’s neat to see that there’s still humanity in people that are in need,” Smith said.

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