Leaders from Catholic Charities Agencies Across the Country to Meet with Obama Administration

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nation's largest human services and disaster response networks, will be hosting leaders from Catholic Charities agencies across the country in Washington, D.C. October 13 -14, 2011 for events including a roundtable discussion and a White House policy briefing.  CCUSA is a leading voice in the conversation about how to better serve the millions of Americans living in poverty.

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On Thursday, October 13th, CCUSA will hold a roundtable discussion at the National Press Club, moderated by The National Journal's Major Garrett, about the principles needed to reform the safety net in an economically sustainable way that better addresses the needs of individuals.  

On Friday, October 14th, 160 leaders from Catholic Charities agencies across the country will travel to the White House for a policy briefing to exchange ideas on human services, housing, immigration and the economy.

White House Director Jon Carson of the Office of Public Engagement said, "Catholic Charities USA is an incredible network of social service organizations that support our neighbors in need. We're looking forward to having CCUSA leaders from around the country here at the White House for a day of discussion and collaboration as we work towards our shared goals."

This meeting comes on the heels of the release of Census bureau data showing historic numbers of Americans living in poverty, CCUSA's hosting of the first Annual National Poverty Summit in Fort Worth, Texas, and the re-introduction of The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act, (NOCRA) S. 1565, legislation developed by CCUSA to identify long-term solutions to the nation's poverty crisis.

Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA said, "We are honored to bring the voice and urgency of the people that we serve each and every day to the White House.  One out of every six Americans is struggling to simply get by.  It's clear the status quo is not working.  We look forward to partnering with the White House to find solutions to improve the lives of millions of Americans while creating a more compassionate and just society."

Attendees will be using social media channels to react and give non-attendees the opportunity to follow the events in real time.  Catholic Charities agencies and members of the public are encouraged to follow @CCharitiesUSA and to engage with live reactions and quotes using the hashtags #CCUSA and #EndPoverty.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 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