Whether with money or time, change a life
It was recently reported that, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Georgia’s poverty rate was the third-highest in the country, with more than 1.8 million residents counted among the poor — an increase of more than 300,000 people in one year. This information validated an increasing trend in dependency and need that we have been observing at the St. Vincent de Paul Society over the last 3-plus years. That trend has driven increases in requests for assistance across the board — for food, clothing, financial assistance and help in finding employment. Unfortunately it is a situation that we don’t see getting better anytime soon.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has served people in need in 35 counties in North and Middle Georgia since 1903, and we have seen dramatic increases in requests for help in every one of them. The volume of requests began increasing in 2009 after the economic downturn began and has steadily grown each year since. The “hard” numbers are sobering. In 2009, we helped more than 179,000 people with $13.5 million in financial, material and education assistance; in 2010 that number grew to 189,500 people and almost $17 million in assistance.
One of the most striking things St. Vincent de Paul has seen over the past few years has been the change in the socioeconomic profile of those seeking our help. More people are being driven into dependency and situational poverty because of job loss, underemployment, illness without medical insurance support, or other factors. The jobs crisis has also left many without work for so long that they are no longer receiving unemployment benefits.
That change in need has had a financial impact on St. Vincent de Paul’s ability to help. There has been a distinct increase in the amount of money needed to meet the needs of those we serve. For example, instead of requests for $300 to $500 to help with rent payments, people need help with $1,000 mortgage payments. Some who previously donated have become clients.
How can you help? Of course every nonprofit can use monetary donations, but there are many other ways. Hold a food drive in your neighborhood. Use buy-one-get-one-free coupons and donate the free item to your local food pantry. Brew your own coffee and donate the $3 to $5 you save daily. Volunteer with a nonprofit. But most of all, care and become involved. Make a difference and change a life, every day.
John A. Berry is CEO and executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta.
