Economy Produces New Ex-Middle Class

Fall is one of my very favorite seasons of the year because it makes me feel calm and warm inside. Unfortunately, not everyone is feeling this way.

September produced another 95,000 job losses, meaning more families will have to cut back even further and may find themselves in financial crisis. At a Catholic Charities Board meeting recently I heard a new term: “Ex-Middle Class.” I asked what this meant.

They told me this refers to men and women in our society whose job loss caused them to slip out of a secure “Middle Class” status into the “Lower Class” or even into “Poverty Level.” For people whose employment, education and financial status had enabled them before to feel strong and secure, this is a humiliating fall.

The Middle Class has long been a major strength of American society, representing a huge sector of men and women. They have demonstrated that our country is truly a land of opportunity where dreams come true. Sadly, this piece of our society is changing and the people caught in this slide are unprepared to deal with it.

These individuals have never asked for help paying the mortgage or utility bill. They have never visited a food bank nor accessed social services of any kind. It is difficult and painful for people who have always been on the giving side to ask others for help.

I hope to create some awareness by writing about this social change. Do you know someone who is struggling to live, to feed a family and find safe available housing? You can help them cope by reminding them how much they have already helped a friend or someone in their neighborhood, their church or their workplace. Their assistance of others earned them the right to ask for help until they are back on their feet, have found another job and are able to support themselves and their loved ones again. As painful as it is, sometimes we need to ask for help. One day when things improve, they can once again give to someone else by “paying it forward.”

If you know of someone who is struggling, please guide him or her to the many wonderful organizations that can help:

  • United Way – The first stop for coordinated access for emergency needs.
  • Food Banks – Most communities offer food for families in need although the current economy is straining supplies.
  • Catholic Charities – Assist with all types of crisis and disaster relief in most cities.
  • Churches – Most offer some type of assistance; can guide people to services.
  • County Health Departments – Many offer low-cost clinics or referrals to Community Health Centers.
  • Clothing Banks – Most schools have clothes for children and many have food.
  • Job Retraining – Check with community colleges about re-education subsidies.
  • Community Action Corporations – Diverse assistance for low-income families.

If you know of someone who needs help, please support them by offering encouragement and hope. Direct them to one of the many organizations we have created in our society to help others.

If you don’t need help yourself, count your blessings. If you have ways to share and help these struggling families, please do so.

It will take us all to get through these uncertain times. God Bless.

~ Dr. Nancy

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