Catholic Charities USA 2nd Quarter 2010 Snapshot Reveals Harsh Realities of Lingering Recession

News provided by

Sep 15, 2010, 09:26 ET

America's working class slipping away as jobless recovery continues

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA, the 100-year-old social service organization committed to reducing poverty in America, today released the findings of its 2nd Quarter Snapshot Survey, describing the continued challenge faced by social service agencies in light of state budget cuts and the increasing number of people, especially working families, in need of assistance. The full report can be found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/snapshotsurvey2010.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081008/CCUSALOGO)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081008/CCUSALOGO)

"When Catholic Charities, often the only social service provider in a community, have to cut programs and downsize operations, there are enormous consequences," said Rev. Larry Snyder, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. "Local agencies are forced to make heart-breaking decisions, while waiting lists increase and calls for assistance go unanswered."

At the heart of the ongoing financial crisis are continued state budget cuts to social service programs and a decrease in individual donations. Jeff Bialik, Catholic Charities CYO, San Francisco, describes the California state budget as the "largest looming disaster waiting to happen." That sentiment is shared by Robert Siebel, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, who describes the proposed state and city budget situations as "dire" and Clare Kushma, Catholic Charities of Diocese of Pittsburgh, who says the agency's ability to serve is "severely strained."

The Snapshot Survey also describes the downward spiral of America's workforce – from working class to working poor. More and more, agencies are seeing an increase in the number of one and two-income households unable to pay their bills, feed their children, and keep a roof over their heads. Overall, of the agencies responding to the Snapshot Survey, 71% reported an increase in requests from the working poor, 59% reported an increase in requests from families, and 49% reported an increase in requests from the middle class. Financial assistance with rent and utilities tops the list of needed services, with a lack of jobs paying a livable wage preventing progress.

"As Catholic Charities USA moves into its second century of service this year, we advocate and promote 21st century solutions to this crisis. We will continue to advance bold, innovative ways to transform the lives of those who live in poverty – and those falling behind – so all people have the opportunity and resources to create and follow the path to self-sufficiency," said Fr. Snyder.

Catholic Charities in Youngstown, OH, echoes this sentiment. The agency is looking for new ways to organize in order to meet the needs of a changing society. According to Rachel Hrbolich, "Part of this re-focusing is the investigation of ways to move beyond solving the immediate crisis and helping people obtain the resources, skills and social supports to help them out of poverty."

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 "to bring about a sense of solidarity" among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The Centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need. For more information about Catholic Charities USA's Centennial activities, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/centennial.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 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, http://www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA