U.S. Census reports a slight decrease in country's poverty rate as Catholic Charities Reaches Historic Levels in the number of Services Provided to those in Need

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Sep 18, 2014, 09:00 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Illustrating the continuing impact of the Great Recession on low-income Americans, and supporting the U.S. Census findings which revealed a recent drop in the poverty rate, a new report released by Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) shows that its network of faith-based social service providers served nearly 17 percent more clients last year than it did before the recession. This report is consistent with this week's release of income and poverty data by the U.S. Census but showcases that those in need are seeking support in a myriad of ways at an unprecedented rate.

According to CCUSA's 2014 "Help and Hope Report", the more than 17.2 million total services provided by agencies from Guam to Maine is the highest ever recorded –a 24 percent increase from 2007. At the same time, the total number of clients served has fallen slightly from the record high of nearly 10.3 million in 2010, to approximately 9 million clients served in 2013.

"This year's numbers show the continued commitment of our member agencies to provide comprehensive and sustaining care at a moment of crisis as well as along the journey out of poverty," said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of CCUSA. "Through case management approaches, wrap-around services, compassionate approach and a commitment to treat the whole person, our members are responding to the needs of those seeking help and hope."

The full report, available for download here, analyzes the services provided in five CCUSA priority focus areas, or pillars, of poverty reduction: hunger, housing, health care, education and training, and family economic security. A total of 151 agencies across the country participated in the survey.

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 to more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. To learn more about CCUSA, please visit our website at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA