Catholic Charities USA 3rd Quarter Snapshot Survey Underscores Need for Poverty Reform

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Nov 23, 2010, 01:03 ET

Steady increase in need reveals a pivotal turning point for social service delivery

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA, one of the largest networks of social service providers in America, today released the findings of its 3rd Quarter Snapshot Survey, calling attention to the steady increase in the number of working poor seeking assistance, the struggle of local Catholic Charities agencies to respond in the midst of state budget crises, and the critical need to rethink and reform the nation's standard response to poverty prevention and alleviation. The full report can be found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/snapshotsurveyQ32010.

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Serving over 9 million people each year, local Catholic Charities agencies participating in the survey report increasing numbers of requests for emergency services – especially financial support to pay for food, utilities, and mortgage/rental payments. 81% report an increase in requests for assistance from the working poor. Additionally, 84% of agencies report increased levels of unemployment citing significant barriers to employment including a lack of jobs that pay a livable wage.

"Every day, as more new faces call upon Catholic Charities for help with basic needs, it's becoming increasingly clear that something just isn't working," said Rev. Larry Snyder, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. "Our nation's safety nets have proven effective in the past, but today, we need 21st century solutions to 21st century problems. We must identify new, comprehensive strategies to help individuals in need find the pathway to self-sufficiency."

In response to the increased need coupled with decreased resources, local Catholic Charities agencies are embracing innovation aimed at poverty reduction and alleviation.

In Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO, Catholic Charities is consolidating major programs into a one-stop center, enabling case workers to work with individuals to develop comprehensive plans for poverty emergence.
In Beaumont, TX, Catholic Charities is enhancing collaborative efforts to focus on generally agreed upon community priorities.
In Portland, OR, Catholic Charities looks to create future sustainability by focusing on individual financial wellness and asset development.
In Wheeling, WV, amidst difficulty in reaching affected individuals in rural areas, Catholic Charities is concentrating on development of technological advances and building a solid infrastructure to allow for more effective individual case management.

On September 28, 2010, Sen. Robert P. Casey (D-PA) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) introduced The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act, S. 3845/H.R. 6222, a culmination of twelve months of work by Catholic Charities USA to identify innovative strategies existing in communities throughout the country that will serve to revamp our nation's approach to poverty prevention and alleviation.

"Since our founding 100 years ago, Catholic Charities USA has played a substantial role in significant policy debates," Fr. Snyder added. "We anticipate the National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act will spark another one of those transformational debates. It is our moral obligation as a social service network to encourage a national conversation on this topic and to advocate for real, sustainable change to restore hope to those in need."

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. For information about the National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/nocra. For more information about Catholic Charities USA, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/.

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