According to a “snapshot survey” released November 23 by Catholic Charities USA, the U.S. workforce is “still waiting for a recovery.” According to the same news release, there has been a “steady increase” in the number of working poor seeking help for basic needs, especially emergency financial assistance.

LOCAL CATHOLIC Charities affiliates cite unemployment as one of the reasons for rising aid requests.

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 named increased underemployment, and 58 percent indicated increased foreclosures. An extension for federal unemployment benefits expires on Nov. 30 and could push more Americans to seek assistance.

In response to the increased demand for serving basic needs like food, the Chicago Catholic Charities affiliate’s food bank serves more than 32,000 individuals and works as a distribution center for more than 75 member agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters which provide food directly to those in need. In addition to a food bank, Catholic Charities of Terre Haute, Indiana operates a homeless shelter, a youth center and household exchange, and a clothes closet.

“Each of these programs has seen an increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance,” the report said. “More and more individuals are seeking assistance with clothing, especially for children; rent assistance because they are facing eviction; utilities (electric and heat) assistance; and even gas for their vehicles to get to work.”