One reason it s hard to fathom is that jobs are plentiful. There is a shortage of carpenters, many businesses have hiring signs in their windows, and Santa Clara County enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. This prosperity, unfortunately, also results in higher prices. People are working but they are not earning what it takes to live here. Unfortunately, the vast majority are mothers and children.
People don t choose to be poor.
They are forced into that situation by circumstances beyond their control. The cost of living is one such circumstance. Unfortunately, the jobs that are readily available in Santa Clara County don t even approach that level. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul can often help them by parlaying what they ve saved with financial assistance from our sales and donation revenue. But with the dollar amount so large, private agencies almost always have to solicit additional help from other agencies.