[04.24.08] A new poll shows that two-thirds of Americans believe their churches are doing enough to help the poor in their communities.

 

The survey of more than 2,800 adults comes at a time when the United States Census Bureau statistics shows consistent increases in the numbers of Americans living in poverty.

 

The national poverty level increased from 11.7 percent in 2001 to 13.3 percent in 2005. In addition, increased usage of food stamps indicates a rising level of poverty in the country.

 

"These results, when combined with current census and economic data, expose a discrepancy between Christians who believe they are doing enough and the reality that Christians are just scratching the surface in our communities," said Steve Haas, vice president for church relations at World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization.