For Immediate Release:
July 19, 2010

Contact:  Roger Conner
(703) 236-6218

Catholic Charities Consumer Participates in White House Press Conference on Critical Need to Extend Unemployment Benefits

Failure to extend benefits will lead millions deeper into poverty

Alexandria, VA–Denise Gibson, a consumer of services from Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, stood alongside President Barack Obama today at a press conference emphasizing the critical need to extend unemployment insurance to millions of Americans looking for work. The press conference comes on the eve of a Senate vote to extend unemployment benefits.

The President shared the stories of 3 individuals whose lives will be directly impacted by Tuesday’s vote, including Denise Gibson from Queens, NY. Unless Congress extends the benefits period, Ms. Gibson, who lost her job in January, will only receive unemployment benefits until August. Although she is interviewing for jobs and has plans to go to nursing school later this year, she struggles to maintain her housing in the face of losing her unemployment insurance benefits.

“Catholic Charities knows all too the well the pain of economic disaster,” said Candy Hill, Sr. Vice President of Social Policy and Government Affairs for Catholic Charities USA. “More and more, local agencies are seeing determined individuals like Denise Gibson coming to their doors, seeking emergency assistance due to the loss of a job or unemployment benefits. We support Congressional efforts that ease the financial burdens of those who are on the brink of disaster and promote better economic opportunities for all.”

In its Centennial year, Catholic Charities USA calls upon the government to do more to support the 39 million Americans struggling in poverty and improve public policies that strengthen and support families.

Economic security and workforce development are critical components of Catholic Charities USA’s work to reduce poverty. Catholic Charities USA believes every person should have the opportunity to support one’s family through work in order to reach his/her full potential. Catholic Charities USA supports the creation and expansion of programs that strengthen workforce development through education and training, enabling more families to participate in the economic success of the country.

Denise Gibson (far left) participates in White House Press Conference. Click photo to watch video.

Catholic Charities USA’s members—more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide—provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.