Catholic Charities USA Releases Findings of 2012 Annual Survey on Services to Local Communities

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Sep 27, 2013, 12:42 ET

Local Agencies across the Country Are Doing More with Less

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite a reduction in overall clients served, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) reported an all-time high in client services provided in 2012. According to their 2012 Annual Survey, Catholic Charities member agencies provided 16.9 million client services.

Catholic Charities member agencies have met this increased need with fewer resources, doing more with less in communities across the country. Overall government funding to member agencies decreased 21 percent in 2012, with agencies reporting having received $600 million less compared to 2011.

"Despite decreased funding, Catholic Charities member agencies provided vital services to build bridges out of poverty for millions in need in 2012," said Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA. "The Catholic Charities movement continues to work to identify innovative and effective solutions to poverty relief to set more of the vulnerable among us on a path toward sustainable self-reliance."

In 2012 alone, 19,277 clients achieved employment after receiving employment services through Catholic Charities member agencies. Additionally, the number of refugees who achieved self-sufficiency increased to 17,557 nationwide.

Hunger relief services remained a major focus for our member agencies in 2012, with over 6.4 million people served through food pantries, alone.

Fr. Snyder went on to say, "The Annual Survey highlights many of the positive outcomes CCUSA's local member agencies are achieving on behalf of those in need yet it highlights the troubling lack of sustainable and predicable levels of funding to support these vital services."

*The Annual Survey was conducted and compiled by researchers at the Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. Catholic Charities USA's member agencies and affiliates were asked to report statistical information for their main diocesan agency and branches, as well as diocesan affiliated agencies, institutions, and residential facilities, for the previous calendar year. Additional information on the methodology is available for download.

About Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for millions of people each year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. To learn more about CCUSA, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

CONTACT: Patricia Cole, 703-236-6218, [email protected]

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA