The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act Introduced in U.S. House and Senate Legislation to Revitalize How Our Nation Addresses Poverty

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Sep 28, 2010, 10:26 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sen. Robert P. Casey (D-PA) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) today introduced The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act, S. 3854, a culmination of twelve months of work by Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) in their Centennial year to identify innovative strategies existing in communities throughout the country that will serve to revamp our nation's approach to poverty prevention and alleviation.

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"With this legislation, today we tell the tens of millions of Americans living in poverty that there is a new hope. That they are not destined to live in poverty for their entire lives," said Fr. Snyder. "That with the help provided in this legislation, people in need will be propelled onto a path of self-sufficiency, enabling them to achieve new legacies of health and happiness for their families."

The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act updates current service eligibility criteria, set by approximation of a 1960's food budget, using both the Human Development Index and the Supplemental Poverty Measurement. Recognizing that individuals and households who receive social services do not require the same amount or type of resources, this legislation establishes a tiered system for determining those needs. In an effort to develop an adequate measurement for evaluation of poverty relief programs, it also encourages the design of a system that would incorporate the gathering and analysis of qualitative information alongside quantitative data to illustrate the success (or failure) of existing programs and in turn inform decisions to invest in those programs.

"This legislation represents an essential step forward if our country expects to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with poverty," said CCUSA's Candy S. Hill, Senior Vice President for Social Policy and Government Affairs. "For far too long our nation has been satisfied with the status quo and our safety nets have suffered. The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act puts a focus on market driven solutions and results oriented programs to make sustainable change for the 43 million Americans living in poverty today."

Catholic Charities USA has served as advocate for the poor for over one hundred years. For more information on The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/netcommunity/Document.Doc?id=2397.

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.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA