The Rio Grande Valley is home to the poorest people in the United States. Poverty rates in excess of 20 percent are commonplace. More families are faced with emergency needs as the local economy worsens due to the U.S. recession. The unemployment rate is double-digits and climbing. Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries helps the poorest of the poor—from providing emergency food in the form of rice and beans; transportation to public health clinics; legal aid referrals; and counseling and prayer.