2006 Holiday Local Press Release

[INSERT CITY, ST] — A new survey of Catholic Charities agencies across the country shows requests for help are growing much faster than the money to provide assistance, putting continued strain on social services during the holiday season, including Catholic Charities of [insert local agency].

[INSERT LOCAL SITUATION DESCRIPTION. EXAMPLE FOLLOWS: “Many families in our diocese are walking a tightrope, hoping to have enough just to make it through the day and keep from falling into poverty,” said Rachel Hrbolich, associate director of social services for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, OH. “We have noticed the complexity of our emergency assistance cases. People are no longer simply delinquent with a bill or in need of food. They are delinquent with several bills, need food, clothing, and medication, and are in danger of foreclosure/eviction or are homeless.”]

Across the nation, Catholic Charities agencies continue to see an increase in low-income families and vulnerable populations seeking just the basic needs—financial assistance to pay utilities, housing, food, and prescriptions. The survey of 88 Catholic Charities agencies highlights the fact that the increasing numbers of working poor are going to local agencies in search of assistance, with four out of five (80 percent) Catholic Charities agencies reported more requests for help from this group.

“As we enter the holiday season, our survey of Catholic Charities agencies throughout the country shows that poverty never takes a holiday,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. “Year after year, we continue to see that requests for help are growing much faster than the money to provide assistance, putting continued strain on social services.”

• 75 percent of Catholic Charities agencies are seeing more people seeking help in paying utility bills.
• 72 percent report an increase in the need for financial assistance.
• 68 percent are finding an increase in requests for aid in making rent or mortgage payments.
• 64 percent report an increase in the need for food.
• 53 percent report an increase in the need for mental health services.
• 45 percent report an increase in the need for prescription assistance.
• 44 percent of the agencies cite an increase in the need for temporary housing.

• 81 percent of local Catholic Charities agencies cite an increase in the working poor seeking help.
• 68 percent report an increase in the number of families coming to them for help.
• 56 percent are seeing more seniors.
• 55 percent report an increase in immigrants needing assistance.
• 48 percent are seeing an increase in the number of homeless seeking help.

• 99 percent of local Catholic Charities agencies say their greatest need during the 2005 holiday season will be financial contributions.
• 30 percent said food donations were needed.
• 25 percent needed more volunteers; and 21 percent needed more toys.

• Donations from individuals to local agencies are mixed, with 37 percent of the agencies reporting increases from individuals and another 21 percent reporting a decline.
• 25 percent of the local agencies reported a decrease in government funding in 2006, which is expected to have the biggest impact.
• In addition, foundation and corporate support remained generally flat, with about 20 percent of agencies reporting increases, roughly half reporting no change and 10 percent showing declines.