BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- Buffalo leaders are learning more about anti-poverty efforts in Rochester that they could put into place in Western New York.
The state gave Buffalo $2.75 million for a plan and programs to combat poverty.
On Saturday, the director of the anti-poverty initiative in Rochester explained what’s worked for that city. He spoke to more than 70 WNY politicians and community leaders.
“The concentration of poverty in Buffalo, that’s very similar to the concentration of poverty in the City of Rochester and then there are segregated communities in Buffalo, there are also segregated communities in Rochester,” said Dr. Leonard Brock, the director of the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative. “It’s really going to require the faith community, with the grass roots community, with the institutional leaders, to come together as one united front to address the issues of poverty because, again, it’s going to require all persons going in the same direction.”
Those at the event said it will take community building, not just government services, to reduce poverty in Buffalo.
