Statement from Catholic Charities USA on 2010 U.S. Census Bureau Poverty Numbers

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA President Rev. Larry Snyder released the following statement today in response to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau Poverty Numbers:

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"The U.S. Census Bureau's report on poverty in America is reflective of the devastating reality in which Catholic Charities USA operates every day.  With 170 agencies throughout the country, our network of service providers served over 10 million people in 2010, an increase of 12.1% over 2009.  That the U.S. Census Bureau has found that the national poverty rate has climbed to 15.1% comes as no surprise to us.

"What we must remember as we look at these statistics is that every number represents a face.  With one out of every six Americans now living in poverty, we must recognize that it may be your neighbor, the person shopping beside you at the grocery store, or your child's friend from school.  These aren't just numbers.

"Today's report is further evidence that the United States of America needs comprehensive reform of the nation's service delivery system.  This reform should be focused on innovative solutions to the individual needs of the now 46.2 millions of Americans living in poverty, the highest number in 52 years.  To truly respond to these staggering numbers we need a system that is market driven, results oriented and locally controlled, enabling the country to permanently make a difference in the lives of those living in poverty, and establishing accountability for the investment of taxpayer dollars.

"Catholic Charities USA is hopeful that today's release of the U.S. Census Bureau's report will help to draw the attention of American policymakers to the moral obligation we have as a country to address this growing crisis."

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 celebrated its centennial anniversary.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA