COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy: Canners in New York City, USA

Abstract

COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy is a WIEGO-led 12-city longitudinal study that assesses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on specific groups of informal workers and their households. Using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews, Round 1 assessed the impact of the crisis in April 2020 (the period of peak restrictions in most cities) and in June/July 2020 (when restrictions had been eased in most cities) in comparison to February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). Round 2 will assess continuing impacts versus signs of recovery in the first half of 2021, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period and Round 1. For Round 1 of the study in New York City, USA, researchers surveyed street vendors and canners who are members of the Street Vendor Project and Sure We Can.

This report presents the summary findings for the canners surveyed at Sure We Can, a not-for-profit recycling center and community space in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to providing canners a supportive space for pursuing their livelihoods (through provision of can redemption services and storage space), Sure We Can serves as a center for canner organizing and advocacy.