President Bush arrived in office over five years ago promoting faith-based and community organizations. Because of a terrible hurricane season and other disasters, more people are seeking assistance this holiday season.
But even with additional request for help, Congress is planning major cuts to social programs that help the poor. Terry Gildea looks at the political climate on Capitol Hill, and examines how some lawmakers are looking to faith-based organizations to ease the burden.
As Congress remains divided over which social programs to trim in the budget, California lawmakers agree that faith-based organizations in the state are on the frontlines in the battle against poverty. Democratic Senator Diane Feinstein says faith-based organizations are needed now more than ever.
Feinstein: "Faith-based organizations are responding well."
The fact is non-profit community organizations will face more demand this year. But Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter says Congress is divided on how to support them.
Hunter: "...some believe FBO's should receive government funding.
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina President Bush pledged to fight poverty while speaking in New Orleans. But while politicians generally support the work of volunteers, political trends on Capitol Hill suggest that lawmakers will be asking faith-based organizations to keep doing more with less . The House and Senate are proposing major cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and child welfare programs.
If the legislation passes without changes, hundreds of thousands of low income individuals and families will lose welfare assistance and some health care benefits. Tia Anzellotti is the program manager for social policy at Catholic Charities in San Diego. She says the cuts will have a direct affect locally.
Anzelloti: "Catholic Charities will not be able to help all of those affected by cuts, especially cuts to food stamps."
Michelle Dunne directs emergency services at Catholic Charities. She says her organization could not exist without the generosity of others.
Dunne: '...because of help from others they were able to feed close to 1500 households in the San Diego area and that the need continues to be high."
Suzi Lacy of the San Diego Salvation Army praises the public for their generosity during Hurricane Katrina. But she says donations for other programs are still needed.
Lacy: "...donations from Katrina have overshadowed donations to other programs."
Congress returns after the holiday to finalize the budget. Despite lawmaker support of non-profit organizations, it is uncertain what government funding will be available to faith-based programs. If Congress continues to depend on these groups to help the poor, they will have to decide what programs are worthy of funding.
From Capitol Hill, Terry Gildea, KPBS News.
