ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Forty-five million people – or 1 in 7 Americans – are living in poverty in the Unites States today. It often takes just one misfortune or one missed paycheck to change  an individual or family’s life causing them to fall below the poverty line. Today, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) launches #End45 – Raise a Hand to End Poverty in America, a national initiative to help shine a spotlight on the issue and the millions of others in need or struggling to make ends meet.[1]

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7599151-catholic-charities-end-poverty-in-america/

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150908/264578

Timed to coincide with Pope Francis visit to the United States in late September and to align with his commitment to helping the poor, #End45 – Raise a Hand to End Poverty in America encourages individuals to show support for the cause by taking a picture of their hand with “#End45” written on the palm and posting it to their social media channels using the hashtag #End45.

CCUSA will also feature a series of seven powerful videos showcasing individuals who have demonstrated resilience, hope and strength as they have overcome adversity. Supporters can visit CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/End45 to watch and share these videos from real people across America who have overcome challenges with the support of Catholic Charities. Across the country, Catholic Charities agencies have served millions of people, providing more than 16.5 million client services to 8.5 million people in 2014.

“Throughout my life I have learned that poverty does not discriminate and that the individuals we serve every day come from all walks of life,” says Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD and President & CEO of Catholic Charities USA. “CCUSA’s #End45 – Raise a Hand to End Poverty in America campaign aims to raise awareness for this important issue but also to offer hope and inspiration to those living on the margins and just struggling to get by.”

People around the country have the chance to increase awareness of this critical issue and make a difference with just a photo. To get involved, people should take a photo of their hand raised with “#End45″ written on the palm and simply share it on their Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter accounts using the hashtag #End45.

For more than 100 years, CCUSA has provided support to people in need, providing programs and services that treat them with dignity and respect. Catholic Charities agencies offer housing, food, counseling, behavioral health, disaster recovery and many other types of support with an approach tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.

To learn more about Catholic Charities USA and #End45, or to find a local CCUSA member agency visit CatholicCharitiesUSA.org and follow CCUSA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Catholic Charities USA
Since 1910, Catholic Charities has served as a national advocate for the most vulnerable in our nation, guided by the basic belief in the inherent dignity of every human being. From the beginning, the organization has stayed true to its mission to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. To learn more about how to get involved with your local Catholic Charities agency please visit, CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/Find-Help.

[1] DeNavas-Walt, C. & Proctor, B. (2014). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2013. U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce.