ACROSS THE SUNCOAST – A census data shows that the coronavirus pandemic caused poverty to go up in 2020, and organizations on the Suncoast meant to help those in need are feeling the effects.
The pandemic has taken a toll on the U.S. economy and for the first time since 1959 data shows that 11.4% of Americans are living in poverty.
Meaning 3.3 million additional people fell below the poverty line last year, for a total of roughly 37.2 million Americans. And many are having to face poverty for the first time.
“We absolutely are seeing people who’ve never had to apply for assistance before who are in need.” said Kathleen Cramer.
Cramer, Executive Director of Turning Points in Bradenton, says they’ve seen a significant increase in all the services they offer to those facing homelessness.
And many new clients on the verge of being evicted are turning to them for rent and utility assistance.
“They’re at a point where they could become homeless and are about to lose their home – perhaps they’ve fallen behind on their rent and just can’t get ahead,” said Cramer. “Last year we had 500 households that were served and so far, this year 685.”
Though Cramer says they’ve been able to manage the influx of new clients applying for assistance – many are still finding it difficult to keep up with rise in rent across Bradenton.
The same can be said for residents living in Charlotte County. CEO of the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition Tina Figliuolo says they’re seeing an increase in rental assistance.
Mainly from the elderly population due to the rise in the rental market and job availability.
“We only have so many funds for that program, however it’s been a struggle for to find affordable or low-income housing,” said Figliuolo.
But luckily for Figliuolo and the people she assists they’ll soon receive a helping hand thanks in part to a $12,000 Grant awarded to them by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
“It’s partnerships [and] collaborations and $12,000 is leveraged with a lot of other support and we’re very grateful for that,” she said.
The Census data also says median household income fell to $67,500 last year. That’s a 2.9% drop from 2019, which was the highest since record-keeping started in 1967.
