More Middle Class Families Seeking Financial Help

The fastest growing group of those seeking financial help from churches--- the middle class.

Researchers at the University of Utah discovered a hidden phenomenon. Churches, and other charitable organizations, are for the first time helping a different group of Americans in need.

News Specialist Stacey Butler has the story.

There's a new class of Utahns lining up for help from non-profit organizations.

Laurie DiPadova/author of study: "THESE ORGANIZATIONS ARE BEGINNING TO SERVE MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES."

It's a trend that may be fueled by a growing disparity between increasing rents and flat wages.

Or by the highest unemployment rate in Utah in almost a decade.

Workforce Services in Utah reports an alarming increase in employees filing for unemployment insurance. More than 6,000 employees applied last year. This year?

Curt Stewart/Dept. of Worforce Services "IN THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR ALONE, WE'VE SEEN JUST ABOUT THAT MANY."

The study suggests that as federal welfare budgets shrink, those in need turn, instead, to churches for help.

Laurie DiPadova/author of study "WE HAVE AMERICANS IN THIS COUNTRY WHO WORK FULL TIME AND DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY THE RENT."

Last year Wasatch Front churches and non profit organizations helped Utah families pay housing, food, and medical bills more than 800,000 times.

Of the church organizations polled, most agree. They are serving more and more families who consider themselves middle class.

Rev. Jack Potter/St. Mark's Episcopal Church: "MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE LIVE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THREE AND SIX MONTHS FROM THE STREET."

Reverend Jack Potter says many who come to St. Mark's Church for help either lost their jobs or fell behind on medical bills after an unexpected illness.

Rev. Jack Potter/St. Mark's Episcopal Church "I CAN'T BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THE KIND OF EMBARASSMENT THAT WE SENSE AS THEY TALK WITH US."

In the study, Laurie DiPadova found that while federal funding for welfare decreased, the demand on local charitable organizations increased.

35% of those organizations polled foresee an increased need for food and cash in the upcoming year.

Rev. Jack Potter/St. Mark's Episcopal Church "WE HAVE LIMITATIONS."

Under the new welfare reform laws, churches are entitled to government money to help those in need. But local church leaders are hesitant to rely on the government for help.

Rev. Jack Potter/St. Mark's Episcopal Church "THERE'S THIS WHOLE QUESTION OF CHURCH/STATE RELATIONSHIPS."

But if the trend continues, churches may need to dip into federal funds to help a growing class of Utahns relying on credit cards for living expenses.

Key Study Findings

• The majority of the households served by charitable organizations are families with one or two working adults and children. The households receiving assistance are headed by Caucasians between the age of 18 and 64 years of age with children at home.

• The situation of those seeking assistance are reportedly more complex and desperate than has been seen in the recent past. Increasing numbers of working families with children are being served by charitable organizations.

• Shortly after time limits were implemented, services requested of charitable organizations began to focus on education, food, clothing, and help with domestic violence and abuse. This latter finding raises concerns regarding the possibility of women, with no options, returning to dangerous situations.

• Six months after time limits were implemented, the most requested services were: medical, foster care, education, and housing. The foster care finding perhaps reflects parents' concerns for their ability to keep their children.