Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ciudad Juárez (Agenzia Fides) - Poverty in Ciudad Juárez is a consequence of rampant unemployment and lack of opportunities that allow people to move forward. From a recent survey conducted by religious and activists of the Catholic Church it seems that community aid to families of middle and upper class living in urban areas have increased. According to the Coordinator of the Social Pastoral of the church "Sagrada Familia" there are at least 100 young families who do not receive any kind of help and are waiting for job offers, often heads of the household are unemployed for 5 or 6 months and try to make do as best as they can to get food to survive. At present, over 200 meals are delivered to the sick and elderly every week, but even temporary aid is given to families in need. Every Saturday the community helps to provide about 200 meals that satisfy entire families.
The phenomenon of poverty in this city has become so severe that it also affects the families who live in residential areas who are unable to feed or pay for their children’s studies or to cover medical costs in case of illness. One of the most serious problems encountered in these families is depression, caused by the difficulties that every day life presents, which affects the whole family. For this reason, the parish community has expanded health services offered in its clinic where there are two doctors and a dentist, as well as a psychologist who deals with cases of depression and psychosis in which the population has fallen. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 07/09/2011)
