Poverty in America

January 25th, 2010 |

Thirty-nine million people live below the official federal poverty level, up from 37.3 million in 2007. With the upcoming census, that number is expected to rise. These numbers are not describing a third world country, or a disaster area. This is what is happening right here in America…the most prosperous country on earth.

As we come to the end of Poverty Awareness Month, it is appalling that more than 39 million people live below the poverty level, which was defined by the US Census Bureau as a $22,025 income for a family of four in 2008. Even more sobering is the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that almost half of all Americans will have experienced poverty for a year or more at some point in their lives by the time they reach age 60. Quite a wake-up call for all of us who thought our children would be better off financially than our parents.

Recognizing there will always be third world countries that need our help, let’s not forget there is also great suffering here, in our own communities. Poverty is affecting our friends and family, the children in our child’s classroom, a co-worker, our neighbor next door. There are not many people who do not know someone who has either lost a job, had their home foreclosed upon, or who has needed to seek out support from local social service agencies.

Here at Catholic Charities, the number of people who come to us for services has continued to rise. Since 2008, we have seen meals served to children at the Marian House Soup Kitchen double. Additionally, the overall number of meals served has increased to more that 600 on most days (up from 400 just two years ago), with that number rising beginning the middle of the month when household budgets begin to run out. More sobering is the fact that towards the end of the month, it has become the norm for the number of meals served to increase to the mid to high 700′s.

Other Marian House services have seen 20%+ increases across the board. In Life Support Services, it is almost impossible to keep baby food, formula, and diapers on the shelves. With the increased number of people seeking services, donations simply cannot keep up with demand. Community Outreach is not able to deliver as many food baskets as in previous years, as they simply do not have the donations of small food items to fill the need.

Poverty in America is at a crisis level. Please reach out and help those in our community who need help the most.

To read more about poverty, please visit Catholic Charities USA.