In its report on the state of poverty in France published this Thursday, November 18, the Secours catholique reveals that, in 2020, a year marked by the coronavirus crisis, its beneficiaries had a standard of living equivalent to half the poverty line , or 537 euros per month. In Pays de la Loire, this income was even lower, 500 euros per month. According to the association, last year’s figures do not show “a strong break with previous years“, with precarious situations”already existing“, but the profiles are changing.
In France, 770,000 adults and children came to ask the association for help last year. They were 55,900 people in Pays de la Loire, or 23,400 households.
Single mothers, the first beneficiaries
In Pays de la Loire, single mothers are the first beneficiaries (27.6%) of the association, a figure increasing over one year and higher at the national level. Then come single men (24.6%) and couples with children (20.5%). Three out of five beneficiaries in Pays de la Loire are between 25 and 49 years old. The proportion of elderly people coming to Secours Catholique is on the rise, unlike that of those under 25.
According to the association’s report, more and more foreigners, especially from sub-Saharan Africa, are coming to seek help from Secours Catholique. They represent almost half of the beneficiaries in 2020 in the region. The share of undocumented people is increasing sharply compared to the previous year.
Food as the first need
In Pays de la Loire, unlike at the national level, food remains the primary need for beneficiaries of Secours Catholique. More than half of them come to the association to obtain food. Demand for food aid is up 4% on a national level. In addition, one in five beneficiaries pushes the door to be listened to and get advice. Then come questions related to rent, energy bill or mobility.
44% of the beneficiaries of the association are in default in Pays de la Loire. The price of rent (43.3%) and energy (42.9%) are the main causes of these arrears. Their median amount increases sharply in 2020, reaching 900 euros in Pays de la Loire, against 777 euros nationally.