U.S. poverty on the rise; social services impacted

WASHINGTON — The number of people in poverty in America increased to its highest recorded point last year, and the poverty rate rose to its highest level since 1994, new statistics show.

The Census Bureau released data Sept. 16 that showed a significant annual increase in poverty, rising 1.1 percentage points to 14.3 percent in 2009. A total of 43.6 million live in poverty — the highest since recording began in 1959 — and up from 39.8 million in 2008.

As result of the ongoing financial crisis, social service programs such as Catholic Charities USA are faced with the challenge of increased needs from individuals and working families, budget cuts and a decrease in individual donations.

Catholic Charities served more than 9 million people in 2009 and reported a 10 percent increase in need for nutrition, housing and financial services.