Number of Families Living Below Poverty Increases1
According to a September 3, 2003 Census Bureau report, the number of people living in poverty in 2002 rose by more than 1.3 million over the previous year. In 2001, 12.1 percent of the population met the standard. In 2002, the relevant percentage rose to 12.4. The actual number of low-income families increased from 6.6 million in 2001 to 7 million in 2002. LSC's communications director Eric Kleiman explains that these changes are significant. He says, "This is a doubly difficult time for legal services programs across America. The poverty population in this country is growing, while resources for equal justice programs are stagnant or decreasing because so many states are swimming in red ink." As the low-income population increases, Kleiman says that it is "more important than ever" that corporations, private law firms, and pro bono attorneys make contributions to civil legal aid because "[h]undreds of thousands of low-income families are depending on it."
These statistics come alive for the staff at NLSA every day in the faces of an increasing number of clients who are seeking help when they have lost their jobs and unemployment compensation has been denied. We are also seeing clients coming in ever greater numbers to our Debt Advice Clinic. Calls from clients with mortgage foreclosures and utility shutoffs are increasing.
If you are not already volunteering at the clinic or taking unemployment compensation or Chapter 7 bankruptcy referrals, there has never been a more urgent need for your assistance. Please call Barbara Kern at 412-255-6700 and let us know you care.
1. Article from Lynette Clemetson, Census Shows Ranks of Poor Rose by 1.3 million, The New York Times, September 3, 2003, page reference unavailable (as reported in the Brennan Center's Legal Services E-lert Reports.)
In this issue:
SSI Benefits - Why Are They So Important
Two New Pro Bono Projects Launched
NLSA Welcomes the Newest Member of Its Staff
Number of Families Living Below Poverty Increases
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Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3799
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