December 2, 2009

How to fight rising childhood poverty

By Julie Filby

Too many kids in Colorado are waking up hungry, going to school without supplies or sleeping on cold floors.

According to a report from the nonprofit Colorado Children’s Campaign (“2009 KidsCount in Colorado”), the number of children in the state living in poverty rose 85 percent between 2000 and 2007—the highest increase in the country.

An estimated 192,000 children, or 16 percent of the population under the age of 18, were living in what was considered poverty or extreme poverty. Poverty is defined as $22,050 for a family of four. Realistically it is estimated that twice that much is needed to meet basic needs.

“Poverty impacts children and families in all races and ethnic groups, all ages, and in all communities,” according to Lisa Piscopo, Ph.D., senior research director at Colorado Children’s Campaign.

Suburban counties including Adams, Jefferson and Arapahoe experienced significant growth in childhood poverty. Situational poverty, caused by events such as job loss, illness or divorce, proved to be on the rise. Statewide, resources cannot accommodate the growing needs.

“The recession has made conditions worse while, at the same time, programs are being cut,” Piscopo said. “Government simply doesn’t have the resources to meet the needs.”

For this reason, faith-based services for the poor are more important than ever. A constant front-runner in the battle against poverty is Catholic Charities, the state’s largest provider of social services.

Catholic Charities, who serves an average of 27,600 children under the age of 18 each year, has seen a 60 percent increase in the number of families requesting emergency shelter, an indicator of a rise in the number of homeless children.
“Our emergency assistance centers continue to see more families than we can serve,” said Jan McIntosh, LCSW, vice president of family and children’s services at Catholic Charities. “We are seeing increases in the numbers of families that can’t provide for their children’s basic needs such as food, coats, shoes and clothing, beds, school fees and supplies, glasses, childcare and dental care.”

Catholic Charities suggested ways the faithful can help poor children in Colorado (for all extensions listed, the main phone number is 303-742-0828):

Volunteer: Volunteer opportunities include helping with homework at a school or shelter, mentoring, providing a truck and the “muscle” needed to help a family move a donation of furniture or working in a childcare center in a playroom or computer lab. For opportunities call Ext. 2120.

In-kind donations: Donations such as books, games or birthday gifts are always needed. Birthday gifts are needed in particular for teenagers, who are often the “odd men and women out.”

Monetary donations: Catholic Charities operates 11 childcare centers. These centers enable parents to transition from welfare to self-sufficiency. Donations to Catholic Charities’ childcare and foster programs may qualify for a 50 percent credit on Colorado state income taxes. For information, call Ext. 2133. It is important to keep in mind that local public and private schools constantly deal with the needs of poor children and need support.

Be aware of poverty: Information on the scope of the problem can be found through local news publications, TV and on the Web.

Be an advocate: Stay informed of pending legislation and contact elected officials in support of public policies and programs that provide opportunities for children and families. Find information at www.coloradokids.org.
Open your home: Consider becoming a foster or adoptive parent. Thousands of children are in out-of-home care due to abuse and neglect. For information on becoming a foster parent, call Ext. 2051. Catholic Charities is also a licensed child placement agency. For more information call Ext. 2058.

 Fight Childhood Poverty With Catholic Charities

Web site: www.ccdenver.org
Phone: 303-742-0828
Address: 4045 Pecos St., Denver, CO 80211
To volunteer: Contact volunteer services at Ext. 2120
To donate: Visit www.ccdenver.org/donate, mail to address above or call donor relations at Ext. 2133