Catholic Charities USA Responds to New 2009 Poverty Statistics

Demands New Answers to Nation's Poverty Crisis

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the release of its own 2009 Annual Survey on poverty as witnessed by its 170 agencies nationwide scheduled for next Tuesday, September 21st, Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) responded to today's release of national poverty statistics with an intimate knowledge of the problem.

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"The national poverty numbers we see in today's release are staggering, but unfortunately come as little surprise to those who have been working closely with the growing population for whom poverty has become a daily reality," said Fr. Snyder.  "We have not seen numbers like these since President Lyndon B. Johnson waged his 'War on Poverty' and frankly, are astounded the nation has done so little to address the poverty crisis that is sweeping our country."

As one of the nation's largest social service networks, CCUSA served over 9 million people in 2009 and, among other alarming statistics, witnessed a 10% increase in the need for basic nutritional, housing and financial services.

"These numbers are further proof that as a nation it is time to re-examine our failing system of safety nets.  With nearly 4 million people thrust into poverty since 2008, we continue to add strain and pressure to an antiquated system that demands restructuring.  CCUSA sees every one of the 43.6 million people who lived in poverty in 2008 as members of a growing chorus who are begging our nation to think and act anew to solve this tragic epidemic affecting tens of millions throughout the country," said Fr. Snyder.

2010 marks Catholic Charities USA's 100-year anniversary and has been dedicated exploring the most effective and innovative ideas in poverty prevention and intervention being utilized throughout the country.  The release of its Annual Survey data on September 21st marks the start of a week of Centennial activities in Washington, DC which will culminate on Tuesday, September 28th with hundreds of staff and volunteers from Catholic Charities agencies representing nearly every district throughout the country calling on their respective Congressional representatives to re-examine our country's failing system of safety nets and dedicate themselves to identifying new ways to make progress on the issue of poverty in America.

To learn more, visit Catholic Charities USA's Web site at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA's members—more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide—provide help and create hope for 8.5 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, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA