Catholic Charities of California Responds To Governor’s Budget
Catholic Charities of California United
As the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of California United, I represent the 12 Catholic Charities agencies that respond to the needs of over one million California residents living in poverty.. It is with gratitude to the generosity of countless Catholic donors that we have carried out our mandate of compassionate service for over one hundred years.
In Deuteronomy, the chosen people are told that they will be given a promised land that will be richly blessed and they are instructed, “If there is a poor man among your brothers, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted. Rather, be open handed and freely give him what he needs.” (Deut 15: 7-8).
California has been a symbolic promised land for millions who came to the state seeking gold, farming jobs, a better life for their children, and freedom from oppression in many parts of the world. As I write this, our Golden State is in an economic crisis and facing historic budget cuts that will disproportionately impact the very people we serve at Catholic Charities.
Not since the Great Depression have we witnessed so many Californians suffering, struggling and desperate. Catholic Charities agencies have been overwhelmed with an increase in demand for basic services such as food and shelter, as well as help in finding jobs and learning skills to help themselves.
We know first-hand that many families are choosing whether to eat or turn on their heat; the elderly must decide if they can afford their medication; the disabled have seen their supportive services reduced or completely eliminated.
Unemployment in California stands at 13%--well above the national average of 9.7%. Eight counties have rates that have soared above 20%, including: Colusa, Imperial, Merced, Plumas, San Benito, Sutter, Trinity and Yuba.
How will Californians respond to projected budget cuts that will drive those already hanging by a thread into abject poverty? How will you respond? We are faced with a choice to close our hearts or to open our hearts and to give and advocate for those in need.
I ask you to join Catholic Charities of California in voicing the needs of those in poverty, serving through volunteerism, and “giving freely” of from the richness of your blessings of time and resources. Contact your local Catholic Charities office and ask how you can make a difference in your local community. Contact your legislators and ask them to keep the needs of the poor ever before them as they make very difficult budgetary decisions.
Working together, we can reduce poverty, advocate for justice and bring promise back to our California promised land.
CONTACT Shannon Lahey, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of California United, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.