The Jewish poor are often recent refugees from the former Soviet Union. Not just Russian Jews. But Jews from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia and Chechnya. Many of these people are entirely new to Western ways, making their adjustment to life in America especially difficult.

The Jewish poor also include Hasidic households in Brooklyn that have been blessed with many children, but lack the means to adequately clothe and feed their families.

In Brooklyn, a substantial number of poor Jewish individuals are young adults and children. By contrast, in the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens, the Jewish poor are more likely to be senior citizens. Poor women still outnumber poor men by about 14%. A significant percentage of the needy are intact families with children. Fully 57% of New York’s Jewish poor are married.

And nearly all the Jewish poor share a common inability to reach out for help. Pride is a major factor. Proud people who have never depended on others are too ashamed to come forward and ask for assistance. Language barriers prevent refugees from getting the services to which they are entitled. Fear keeps battered wives from making that first call for help.

Met Council is there to find these people. Met Council is there to help these people.

Met Council is there to enable these people to break the cycle of poverty and achieve a life of independence with their pride intact. And when these goals prove too elusive, Met Council works to salvage an individual’s residual pride and make his or her life as meaningful and wholesome as possible.

• Where are the Jewish poor?