Poverty isn't something we like to talk about. We'd rather assume that we could never be poor, but as my mother says, "but for the grace of God goes I," we are all quite fortunate to not be wanting for food, shelter and stability.

The poor are among us and their ranks, especially families with children, are growing. In fact, the Census Bureau's most recent American Community Survey shows that in the greater Fairfax area–of which the City of Fairfax is a part–more people are impoverished as the recession leaves.

Conducted in 2009, the survey shows an increase of 10,000 families living in poverty from the previous year, with more than 57,000 people living on $10,956 a year for an individual and $21,756 annually for a family of four, which includes two adults or two children.

With more than a million people living in the Fairfax area, an uptick of 10,000 people living in poverty doesn't seem like an overwhelming number. Yet, what these numbers don't tell is that there are many more people living on the edge who are either unemployed or under-employed. They are the people who just a few years ago were starting to think that they could live the American Dream of owning a home and living a solid middle-class lifestyle.

The economic meltdown, however, dashed those dreams. And the economy's slow escape from its doldrums doesn't seem to offer relief to these people.

In the City of Fairfax I have personally seen an increase in the number of poor and those who have fallen on harder times. This comes from anecdotal observations such as seeing more homeless people, hearing from officials at the Lamb Center who talk about the increased number of people they are seeing and conversations I've had with constituents.

People are hurting.

As I've said before, I do think our local economy is doing better than most. We are still the sixth wealthiest region in the entire country with an unemployment rate hovering around 6 to 7 percent. We should absolutely count our blessings. What's frightening though is that as the economy continues its long slog to recovery, people are continuing to find themselves tripped up by a job loss or a foreclosure and then a path that puts them out of their homes and looking for public assistance.

With this in mind, we should focus more on how we can help the poor among us as well as those who are teetering on the edge of poverty and even homelessness. With its own limited resources, government is trying to do its part. Fairfax County's human services departments, for instance, are seeing more of a need (the city contracts through the county for their programs), including food stamps and rental assistance. A July report noted that between 2006 and 2010, there has been an increase of 165 percent in the request for food stamps and a 76 percent increase for rental assistance.

There are also several charitable organizations that need financial contributions and volunteers. People can help support the poor through the Lamb Center, Catholic Charities, FACETS and Our Daily Bread. All of these organizations are doing exceptional work in helping raise people out of poverty and bringing compassion to serving the poor and underserved.

Government and these charitable organizations can't do it all. Frankly, the best way out of poverty will be an improved economy, more jobs and additional educational opportunities. That said, those who are fortunate to have a solid job, a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs should make every attempt to help those who are less fortunate by donating time, energy and resources. It's during times like these where we are all called to help lift up those who are less fortunate, providing a helping hand where we can.

One way you can help is through our family's third-annual Sweets in the Park on Sunday, October 17. Drop by and enjoy a "sweet" like brownies, cookies and other treats. There will be music, kids' activities and an opportunity to make a donation to support the Lamb Center.  The event, which is from 2 to 4 p.m., is at Providence Park in the city. If you would like to donate a treat or volunteer, please email us at sweetsinthepark@gmail.com. You can also make a secure tax deductible donation to the Lamb Center at www.thelambcenter.org.