Bishop says poverty revealed by Katrina is everywhere in U.S.

Published: 2006-01-24

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- The underlying poverty in New Orleans uncovered for the world's eyes after Hurricane Katrina can serve to raise the awareness of hidden poverty across the U.S., Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., said Jan. 19. As chairman of the bishops' Committee on Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Bishop Hubbard was in town for the release of a national poll on poverty commissioned by CCHD. He said 75 percent of respondents believe the scope of poverty shown in New Orleans -- where those without the means to evacuate before the Category 4 storm were stranded for days in deplorable conditions at emergency shelters -- should be used to bring greater attention to poverty throughout the U.S. CCHD chose New Orleans to launch its 2006 anti-poverty campaign because the city was hit by the largest natural disaster in U.S. history, which Bishop Hubbard said "turned lives upside down." The agency also announced more than $500,000 in special grants to organizations helping low-income victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita to rebuild their lives.

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