Progress is incremental in helping those experiencing poverty. While it may not readily appear that there are significant gains, steady positive direction makes a huge difference when climbing out of a bad financial situation.

Thirty percent of our community is living in poverty. It is difficult to imagine that families of four are living at less than $45,000 annual income in Austin. Of those experiencing poverty, many are working full-time and dependent on a single income. With such a fragile budget, families are one emergency or unexpected expense away from homelessness.

Families on the brink of homelessness come to Caritas, work out a plan with a case manager and with our financial assistance avoid eviction. Our education program offers classes on money management and smart shopping to help clients learn to budget and shop effectively on a small income. Clients learn job readiness skills and even in an uncertain job market and economy, clients are finding jobs with the help of our employment services.

Because of the relationships Caritas has with local businesses, clients of all backgrounds have found employment and can support their families. In 2011, Caritas helped place 457 clients, five percent more than last year, in jobs at businesses like Seton Family of Hospitals, La Quinta and Lone Star Foodservice.

Everyone who walks through our doors has a story to tell and at Caritas we know how important their stories are to share. One client in particular illustrates the powerful growth she and others made this year.

Tabatha was living on the verge of homelessness when she was forced to move from her home after it was deemed unsuitable housing by the City of Austin. Given 30 days to move, her poor rental history made finding housing nearly impossible. Her children lived with her mother in a one bedroom apartment while Tabatha searched for housing. She faced high application fees and income requirements two or three times the rent. Living in her car, Tabatha needed help.

With the assistance of a case manager she created a plan to address each barrier and take steps to get back into housing. Caritas helped Tabatha negotiate with a landlord and she was approved for a two bedroom apartment. She enrolled in job readiness classes at Caritas and is getting job search assistance for a job that will fit her children's school schedule.

With each incremental success, Tabatha is closer to reaching her goals which now include saving for college tuition for her oldest and developmental schooling for her five year old son who is autistic. But most importantly, she successfully reached her first goal of keeping her family together in safe and stable housing.

In 2011, Caritas served 20,000 individuals living in poverty in Travis County. We are grateful for the support that allows us to continue to serve those most in need. With each client we serve, there is an individual story and incremental plan to help them overcome many barriers and ultimately reach self-sufficiency.