Catholic Charities 4th Annual Walk a Mile on May 19th

posted 5/15/2012

Catholic Charities Steuben 4th Annual WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES May 19th 2012 in Bath, Corning and Hornell Catholic Charities Steuben County.

Our mission is to help build Steuben County communities that care for all people by working to reduce poverty, promote healthy individual and family life, and advocate for social justice.

Poverty in Steuben County

Last year Steuben County's' unemployment rate averaged 9.9% compared to the statewide average of 8.6%. It is estimated that an additional 7% may have been underemployed or have exhausted un-employment benefits.

13.5% or 13,000 people are living below The Federal Poverty Guidelines in Steuben County. It is estimated that 30% of our population, 30,000 people are living in households that only earn up to twice the Poverty Guidelines. In reality these working poor may already may be living in actual poverty or at risk of slipping below the poverty guidelines.

Children are the most vulnerable and make up the highest segment of the population living in poverty. In Steuben County 1 in 5 children are living in poverty. 50% of our students are eligible for free or reduced fee meals at school based on family income of 130% of poverty for free meals and 185% of poverty for reduced fee meals.

50% of the families living in Poverty in Steuben County are headed by a single female. 60% of these Moms were working before the recession and before Child Care Subsidies were cut making it impossible for many single moms to work before their children enter kinder garden.

Applications for Food Stamps increased 35% from 2008 to 2010.

WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES

While it is true that too many people living in poverty are there as a result of their own poor choices or decisions the great majority of those in poverty are there as a result of decisions or circumstances over which they have no control.

Physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental disabilities, mental illness, lack of job education or job skills, or working at a job that does not pay a living wage are major causes of poverty. Dramatic life changes such as domestic violence, divorce, the loss of a job or loss of hours or major medical expenses often result in a life of poverty.

Prior to the recession 69% of the people we served were working. In 2010 39% were working. The average household income was $10,000. in 2008 and fell to just $8,500. in 2010.

Homelessness and housing emergencies are on the rise in Steuben County. Evictions' are up 35% in the last 2 years. Request for housing assistance at Catholic Charities increased 42% in 2010 compared to 2008. Last year government funding for our Homelessness Intervention Program was cut 58%.

A minimum wage earner in Steuben County needs to work 61 hours a week in order to rent a two bedroom apartment at the recommended guideline that no more than 30% of earnings should be spent on rent.

About the Walk

WHAT:

WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES is a one mile walk taking place simultaneously in three communities - Bath, Cornin and Hornell.

The goals of the walk are to raise awareness of poverty in Steuben County and to collect donations to support Catholic Charities' work providing Help that works, Hope that lasts to families, friends, and neighbors who are experiencing financial hardships.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 19th 2012

On-site Registration...........9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks..............9:45 - 10:00 a.m.
Walk...........................10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Corning
Community Bank, West Market St.

Bath
Pulteney Square

Hornell
Center Street Parking Lot

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Become a Walker-recruit 10 sponsors

Become a Sponsor - support 1 or more walkers

Make a donation - to Catholic Charities

You never know what someone has suffered untilyou Walk a Mile in Their Shoes..

Join Us on May 19th 2012:

HOW TO REGISTER:

If you have any questions, contact us at:
Catholic Charities of Steuben County

Bath office: 607-776-8085

Corning office: 607-962-0704

Hornell office: 607-324-3457