Story posted Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Durbin Talks Up Stimulus Plan At Local Food Pantry
Explains How Money Will Better Fund Area Depositories
By TOM ROBB Journal & Topics Reporter
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin chose Des Plaines' Catholic Charities' food pantry as the backdrop Monday to discuss how money from the federal stimulus package will increase assistance to pantries and those receiving food stamps.
"For one in 10 Illinois families food is an issue," said Durbin. He said the stimulus package would give an additional $6.3 billion to food assistance programs across the country.
Additionally, the level of aid given to families through food stamps was increased Apr. 1 an additional $80 a month for a family of four, pushing the total from $226 to $306 per month. The federal government will not only increase dollars to food pantries but also the level of direct food aid.
The need for aid has increased at pantries both in Des Plaines and across the region over the last few years.
Three years ago the organization served 500,000 people per year across Cook and Lake counties. Last year Catholic Charities served one million people.
Catholic Charities Executive Director Kate Mayer said use is up 97% at the Des Plaines pantry from just a year ago.
A woman who gave her name as Sara attended the event Monday and said Catholic Charities "saved my life and saved my son's life."
After her son had a serious accident several years ago her savings evaporated to cover medical expenses. With her mother becoming increasingly mentally unstable because of a separate medical condition, Sara found herself homeless. Catholic Charities is now helping Sara get back on her feet.
Some people needing help have jobs. Porita Mitchell spoke at the event. She receives monthly food aid at the pantry that helps feed her and her three-year-old son.
Recently, unemployed Kristen Habrgurst also receives food aid from the Des Plaines charity to help her support two children.
"Food stamps are just not enough," she said. "I've been here when they've had several hundred people (over a period of hours)," said outgoing Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia. "When I first started nine years ago the homeless were single 30-year-old men, now they're in their 20's with families."
"I laugh when I hear people say 'why don't they just get a job,'" Arredia continued. "There are a lot of misconceptions about the homeless. Just because they're homeless doesn't mean they're a bum."
Reporters at Monday's event took the opportunity to pepper Durbin with questions dealing with everything from pirates off the African coast to Gov. Blagojevich, Roland Burris and the need for more transparency in campaign contributions.
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