The global economy crashed back in 2008, triggering massive unemployment and a gloomy market. Years have passed and the economy has slowly recovered in some countries. Others, are taking longer to get back on their feet.
FRANCISCO LORENZO
Caritas Spain
'The economic recovery has not yet reached the most needy, which have been hit the hardest. It takes time. So, ethically speaking, we can't focus on being an economy healthy on a macroeconomic level, that leaves the poor out. The needy are still suffering the consequences of this recent economic crisis.â?
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Spain are going through this painful recovery process.
Caritas, which is the umbrella charity organization of the Catholic Church, layed out what it's doing in Europe to help families who are still recovering from the crisis.
FEDERICA DE LAUSO
Caritas Italy Research Unit
'No longer do we see only illiterate people without education, asking for assistance. What we're seeing now are people who finished school and some who even have higher education degrees.â?
The basics life food, housing, clothing and sometimes even employment are still offered. But now, the focus has somewhat shifted to a more grassroots level.
FRANCISCO LORENZO
Caritas Spain
'At least in Spain, the crisis is based on the structure of the system itself. So we have to go back and look at the social model we're dealing with.â?
With a higher divorce rate, Caritas has also seen a change in the profile of those who seek help not only for themselves, but for their children.
FEDERICA DE LAUSO
Caritas Italy Research Unit
'We're helping a lot of adults who are going through a separation. The children suffer the effects of this not just economically speaking, but also when it comes to the divorce of their parents and the vulnerability this creates for them.â?
Caritas Europe includes a network of 49 affiliated organizations in 46 European countries.
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