Poverty Hits Hard In Malaga as Visitors to Soup Kitchens Rise reports Presta Kitchen

(EstateNewsWire.com, November 25, 2012 ) San Francisco, CA -- For years, Malaga, Spain has been a refuge for immigrants looking for a better life. Unfortunately, due to the current economic crisis in Europe, which has hit Spain the hardest, is forcing many people to live on the street and attend soup kitchens like the one run by Emaus on the outskirts of the town.

With the rate of unemployment approaching 25% in Spain, many immigrants who had jobs and were barely able to pay for shelter and food when they had a job, are now in serious trouble. Emaus and its staff of Adriana, Pepi, and Diego have seen a substantial rise in attendees at their soup kitchen, and have been forced to make even more food for those in need.

The Catholic humanitarian group of Emaus has six employees and countless volunteers that help deliver food to the sick and the elderly, and distribute food at their headquarters in Torremolinos. Their space in Torremolinos holds 30, but with the extreme poverty striking the area, the staff often finds themselves overwhelmed with hungry families looking to survive.

“I never thought I would have to come here and asked for food,” said Jessica, a 29-year-old mother of a two-year-old, who has attended Emaus for over two months. Jessica said that her and her husband both lost their jobs and with such poor economic times, have been forced to live with their in-laws and feed at Emaus.

Over 21% of the population of 47 million is living under the poverty line this year, while another 13% are in severe trouble, and another 7% cannot pay their mortgage, according to the Economically Active Population Survey. According to Emaus, the demographic of attendees has altered significantly since 2008 when the crisis hit hard. Used to serving elderly, mentally ill people, the soup kitchen now finds itself serving families, young people, and even babies.

“Thank goodness we are here and we can survive,” said a Polish construction worker who lost his job four years ago and has been attending Emaus for meals for over a year.

People who came from poverty stricken areas to find a better job and a better life in Spain are now back in the same position they were trying to get away from. While Emaus delivers hundreds and hundreds of meals each day, the donations and volunteer work put a ceiling on how far their charity can go. With the economic crisis in full effect, it is simply impossible to help all those that need it so desperately. It is a sad fact that the staff sees everyday, but cannot do anything about.

About Presta Kitchen:

Presta Kitchen (http://prestakitchen.com) is a leading supplier of compact and modular kitchens, kitchenettes, and mini kitchens. Presta Kitchen’s space-saving pre-assembled kitchens can be installed in some of the most compact spaces, such as boats, basements, recreational vehicles, and cabins.

Presta Kitchen

Benjamin Wrights

4157669098

news@postpressrelease.com

Source: EmailWire.Com