theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 11 | october 18, 2013
An
eye-opener T Poverty in the archdiocese hough the economy may be slowly improving, the state of poverty in America is not. In fact, poverty rates have steadily increased over the past decade across the archdiocese, and the future looks equally bleak. In 2010, the poverty rate within the archdiocese was 11.4 percent. That’s 149,739 people, each with a family, with a life, with a story. In light of this worsening situation and a newly elected pope who has spoken out widely and loudly about the need to recommit to the poor, The Leaven sought out individuals within the archdiocese who have dedicated their lives to those most in need. Amid widespread apathy and even cynicism about the possibility of change, their compassion and hope is a refreshing reminder that change is possible. These are their stories. See pages 7, 8 and 9