Washington D.C., Nov 24, 2010 / 06:11 am
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, unemployment and the need for Catholic Charities persists.
The U.S. workforce is “still waiting for a recovery,” Catholic Charities USA said in a “snapshot survey” released on Nov. 23. There is a “steady increase” in the number of working poor seeking help for basic needs, especially emergency financial assistance.
In the second quarter of 2010, over 70 percent of Catholic Charities agencies reported an increase in aid requests from the working poor. In the third quarter, 81 percent reported an increase. Asked how the recession has affected clients, about 84 percent of agencies blamed increased unemployment, 65 percent blamed increased underemployment, and 58 percent blamed increased foreclosures.
An extension for federal unemployment benefits expires on Nov. 30 and could push more Americans to seek assistance.