The recent hurricane did more than erode the landscape in the Gulf region of our country. These disasters exposed the significant poverty and sense of hopelessness so many of our nation’s citizens struggle with each day.

In the face of so much pain and destruction, we saw the good in our fellow Americans: citizens opening their homes to displaced families, volunteering in the affected regions, and giving generously through cash and in-kind donations.

Throughout the nation, organizations such as Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Inc., in collaboration with larger national networks such as Catholic Charities USA, continue to address the needs of persons living in poverty. As a faith-based organization, Catholic Charities is committed to serving the poor with respect and dignity in fulfillment of our mission.

Regardless of economic status, political preference, race, religion, gender or other differences, our communities must come together for the sake of the poor. We need open and honest debate, collaboration and action on the very serious issues of poverty. In the spirit of responsible advocacy, I ask communities to consider the following approach:

1. Acknowledge that this country was built by immigrants – among them Native Americans, people of all races, religions and genders, and all levels of economic and political status. Our nation has a tradition of taking care of its own people, thus we must continue to find ways to improve the lives of our most vulnerable.

2. Initiate dialogue at all levels regarding the causes of poverty and be open to new and challenging ways of addressing these issues.

3. Develop outcome-based programs with sufficient funding to effectively address the consequences and impacts of poverty.

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of these programs based on sound criteria every five years; make adjustments based on this assessment.

We must begin to transform our country – see beyond our divisions – and strive for a nation that prospers, but not at the sake of the materially poor. We must change how we debate; respect persons with views different from our own; and realize our nation’s strength is in its diversity.

The above letter, written by Michael W. Halterman, Exeuctive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, was sent to President George W. Bush, Senator Kit Bond, Senator Jim Talent, Representative Emanuel Cleaver and Representative Sam Graves.