Catholic Charities USA 1st Quarter 2010 Snapshot Reveals Social Services on the Edge

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May 18, 2010, 09:23 ET

Economic recovery missing in action

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Across the country, Catholic Charities agencies are battling a seemingly unending economic crisis. Life-sustaining programs are in jeopardy, some have already closed, and waiting lists for emergency services are growing by the day. Catholic Charities USA's 1st Quarter 2010 Snapshot, released today, raises the question: Where is the recovery? The full report can be found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/2010snapshot.

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"For millions of hard working Americans, the crisis is only beginning, "said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. "We live in the richest and smartest country on earth, but our children are hungry. We must take responsibility for this gross injustice and advocate for real sustainable change to ensure the common good of every American."

The snapshot survey paints a vivid picture of the new American middle class. Of the agencies responding to the survey, 75% report an increase in families seeking assistance, 72% report an increase in the working poor seeking assistance, 61% report an increase in the middle class seeking assistance, and 58% report an increase in the homeless seeking assistance. In Yakima, WA, it's not uncommon to hear the words: "We've never had to ask for help like this before."

Keeping a roof over one's head appears to be the biggest issue for consumers as 75% of agencies report an increase in requests for rent/mortgage assistance since the 4th quarter of 2009. In Reno, NV, there has been a dramatic increase in the need for food. In Nashville, TN, the number of requests for help is up and the level of support needed is greater. Corpus Christi, TX, is seeing a large number of moderate income families and individuals accessing the financial assistance program. In New Orleans, LA, more pregnant women with deeper needs are knocking on the door.

The results of the survey align with the current unemployment rate: 89% of agencies report an increase in unemployment and 64% report an increase in underemployment. According to survey respondents, a lack of jobs paying a livable wage (83%) and a lack of jobs in general (64%) are huge barriers to employment and self sufficiency.

As requests for help increase, resources diminish. Local agencies, on the frontlines of the economic disaster, are forced to do more with less and make dramatic changes to their operations. Many agencies are expanding collaboration activities – entering new partnerships and contracts, using more volunteers, and sharing resources with community service providers. But other agencies are forced to make heartbreaking changes – cutting programs, scaling down operations, redeploying and laying off staff, and turning people away.

In its 2010 Centennial year, Catholic Charities USA remains more committed than ever to address the challenges of hunger, housing, economic security, education/job training, and health.

"It is our mission to ensure the needs of the least among us are not forgotten and that any recovery is a recovery for all," said Fr. Snyder. "As we move into our next 100 years of service, we will continue to work to transform the lives of those who live in poverty."

To learn more, visit Catholic Charities USA's Web site at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA's members — more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide — provide help and create hope for nearly 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA