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3rd Quarter Snapshot Survey: Pantry Shelves Empty Faster Than Ever
Hunger, Depression, Domestic Violence Widespread as Economic Impact Worsens
Contact: Roger Conner, Sr. Director of Communications of Catholic Charities USA, 703-236-6218, rconner@catholiccharitiesusa.org
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 30 /Standard Newswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA released its 3rd Quarter Snapshot Survey today revealing a dramatic increase nationwide in requests for food services and continued strain on mental health counseling and domestic violence services.
The third quarter of 2009 continues to show new and underserved populations requesting help from Catholic Charities. "Our agencies are seeing new faces coming in for assistance. These are clients whose employment has run out, with no job to be found. . .people struggling to form a new way to live," said Rev. Larry Snyder, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. "At a time when our country gathers with loved ones to give thanks and praise, our food pantries are emptying faster than ever. Some agencies are forced to turn people away."
Of the 74 agencies who responded to the survey, 76% are seeing an increased demand for food and 70% are seeing increased enrollment in SNAP (food stamps). Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has experienced a 100% increase in food bank clients. At Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, many who once gave to the pantry are now seeking help for themselves. And at Catholic Charities of Brooklyn/Queens, parents who lost their jobs and exhausted their savings are visiting food pantries for the first time.
While the economy tumbles, the emotional and mental well-being of hungry families and individuals is at a perilous point: 42% of agencies report an increase in demand for counseling and mental health services, 35% report more domestic violence issues, 26% report an increase for mental health services directly related to the economy, and 18% report more interaction with Child Protective Services.
The increase in service requests coupled with the decrease in financial resources has forced many agencies to cut and/or reduce programs. Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge, LA, has reduced services in prison ministry and their unwed pregnant mother shelter; Catholic Charities of Trenton, NJ, has reduced domestic violence services; Catholic Charities of Burlington, VT, has reduced mental health counseling services; and Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, CA, has eliminated drug and alcohol counseling. Many agencies have been forced to make even more painful cuts: 23% of agencies are reducing pay or benefits to staff, 36% of agencies are laying off employees, and 72% continue to cut operations costs.
"With little notice, unforeseen emergencies can cripple a struggling family," Fr. Snyder added. "It is imperative that we develop strategies to help lift individuals and families out of poverty so they are in a better position to weather an economic downturn."
Catholic Charities USA remains more committed than ever to address the challenges of hunger, housing, economic security, education/job training, and health, as it leads into its 2010 Centennial year.
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.
