click to enlarge "Our core values are inspired by the gospels and Catholic social teaching. We work directly with people in need. Our current experience directly warns us of difficult times ahead and suggests that things will get much harder for many people in terms of daily living and basic needs. Families and individuals on basic incomes are at higher risk this winter compared to previous years. Fuel, food and clothing poverty is a constant problem, but worse this year. Housing, health and social care, we believe, will be major issue this winter."     FUEL POVERTY   FOOD POVERTY   CLOTHING POVERTY Pat McHugh   Housing:- because of mortgage problems associated with the credit crunch, hundreds to loose their homes. Health & Social Care:- we believe the elderly to be the priority group this winter because of low income, isolation, frailty, and fear of complaining, their plight will be overlooked. Costs of essential needs and basic pensions do not add up to a budget to meet needs.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul outlines its position on poverty to NI Assembly and urges immediate action to help those most in need.   The SVP's Social Justice committee, along with other voluntary and community groups were invited to submit their views on tackling the growing rise of poverty and its effects on the most vulnerable in our society to a committee at Stormont on Tuesday 2nd December 2008.   Heading up the Society's response, regional board member Pat McHugh outlined just what measures are needed to be undertaken by those elected to the NI Assembly.     "The Society holds the view that the agenda contained in the issues raised today is person centred but has in the past, failed to get a considered response from direct Government ministers."   "We believe there would be great value in Church and Church-based organisations meeting together in order to demonstrate a consensus of concerns relating to the health and social needs of the Northern Ireland people, and being enabled to engage directly with members of the Northern Ireland Assembly with a common and, hopefully, united front."       "A Poem to Share" (Written by a homeless woman after being denied help)   I was hungry and you formed a discussion group to discuss my hunger; I was imprisoned and you quietly crept off to your chapel and prayed for my release; I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance; I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health; I was homeless and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God; I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me; You seemed so holy, so close to God; But I am still very hungry....very lonely....and very cold.