Human Services News

Catholic Charities USA:

Catholic Charities USA announced a new multi-year initiative to cut poverty in half by 2020, urging Congress and the Administration to give a much higher priority to the needs of the poor in budget and policy decisions on issues such as health care, housing, nutrition, and economic security.

Poverty is a moral and social wound on the soul of our country and threatens the health and economic well-being of both families and our nation, Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, said at a briefing this morning on Capitol Hill.

The Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America is about who we are as a nation, Father Snyder said.

Catholic Charities USA is leading a broad effort that will involve partners in social service agencies, the faith community, and other groups in a sustained effort to convince government officials of the importance of making systemic changes in government programs to help the poor and most vulnerable in our society.

With more than 275 years of experience in serving those living in poverty, Catholic Charities has a unique understanding of this growing problem and its devastating impact on families and the nation.

Catholic Charities agencies provide help and offer hope to more than 7.4 million people each year, and in communities across the country, our agencies have been coping with a steady increase in demand for emergency assistance, primarily among working families,⬠Father Snyder said.

Catholic Charities USA Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America will urge Congress and the Administration to improve programs and policies in four key issue areas: health care, affordable housing, nutrition assistance, and family economic security for the poor and vulnerable.

Good government is about making choices and setting priorities that serve the common good, and we will work in partnership in this campaign with Catholic organizations and other partners to encourage elected leaders to give greater priority to attending to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable persons in society, Father Snyder said.

Maintain the integrity and strength of the Medicaid program.

Remove new restrictions to Medicaid that create barriers for low-income families.

Provide adequate funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) program to expand coverage for all eligible children.

Support policies that provide integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Strengthen the Food Stamp Program to better assist the working poor and the elderly.