CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — If you have found yourself struggling this holiday season, you are not alone.
Statistics show just over 11 percent of the US population is living in poverty, according to the most recent census numbers.
WalletHub ranked Corpus Christi as the ninth "neediest" in the nation when it comes to the most economically disadvantaged cities.
The study compared more than 180 US cities across 28 key metrics including child poverty rate and food insecurity, in which Corpus Christi ranked even higher at sixth.
3NEWS spent time with Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi on Tuesday, one local nonprofit that sees the need in our community often.
The overwhelming reality captured by the sight of bumper to bumper traffic that stretched around Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi as they hosted a holiday food distribution.
"They're showing they're loved and it matters," said one driver.
"I'm sure a lot of people need it, I'm one," said another.
Volunteers handed out box after box of hams and all of the holiday dinner sides to ensure folks have a warm meal for the holidays as part of the nonprofit's Community Christmas event.
Bishop Michael Mulvey blessed volunteers gathered outside the nonprofit answering a call to help.
Stuart Seger with EOG Resources was among those trying to make a difference.
"When you're driving around sometimes you don't see it, there's days like this you can come and it's really in your face," he said.
Hunger and need can affect anyone.
Anita Rivera with Catholic Charities said while the need is great, the appreciation is greater, especially from families who need that helping hand for the first time.
"They're like, 'We've never been in this situation,' and that just breaks my heart, because I know people work hard and still it's hard to make ends meet," Rivera said.
Around 2,500 residents signed up for the food distribution at Catholic Charities, just another example of the need that's out there in our community.
Rivera said a lot of people are just a paycheck away from losing it all.
"There's a lot of them; a lot of them are health, loss of job, the car broke down, so instead of buying food they have to make sure that the car keeps going," she said.
Rivera knows what residents are going through, because she's has been there too.
"The checks just don't stretch enough for economy nowadays, and that's what I hear over and over," she said.
Rivera hopes to inspire others to help their fellow neighbors.
"Without the community we would not be able to do this," she said.