Catholic Charities Financial Assistance for Women

Catholic Charities USA is an organization with roots dating back to 1910. It is a network of charities which are all connected and which work to reduce poverty in America. Their mission statement is:
“To provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same.”

They obtain this mission statement through a variety of programs and services including affordable housing, immigrant and refugee services, integrated health and nutrition and more. The drive behind the organization is to help others not because they are Catholic “but because we are.” Many of the programs can help women who are in need of financial assistance. Read on to learn how the services work and if they might be able to assist you.

Affordable Housing

Catholic Charities owns and operates more than 35,000 units of permanent housing in the U.S. Further, it has more permanent and rapid re-housing beds for the homeless than any other national nonprofit (11,000 beds). It also provides people in need with financial assistance to pay for rent or utility bills. So whether you are homeless, having trouble paying your bills, or looking for an affordable home, Catholic Charities can help.

Integrated Health and Nutrition

Catholic Charities is also dedicated to ensuring people have access to quality, affordable health care and nutrition. It provides Meals on Wheel and community farms as well as services for behavioral health and addictions. If you are having trouble supplying yourself or your family with a balanced diet or getting the medical care you need, you can reach out for help.

Foundational Services

The foundational services provided by the Catholic Charities organization are available for people of all ages from children to adults, and from families to entire communities. It focuses on giving people the help they need to have a strong foundation in life. The services can include foster care, adoption, pregnancy, criminal justice ministries, senior care, and more. When a need is identified in a particular community, the local organization responds and creates supporting programs. For example, the Catholic Charities in the Greater Boston area creates Sunset Point Camp which provides a place for the local kids to come each summer for enrichment. Many of the kids love the camp and attend until they are in their late teens, at which point they become counselors. Check out your local organization to find out what services are available near you.

Social Enterprise Initiatives

The Catholic Charities also develops social enterprise business models and builds community alliances. As a result, it employs individuals which helps them to move toward self-sufficiency and stability and away from government benefits. For example, the organization has partnered with AmeriCorps. If you need a new employment pathway to help boost your finances, reach out. You may be able to serve your community, make new connections, and take a step toward your future.

Disaster Relief

When a disaster strikes, it can set people back. For those, who were struggling to make ends meet to begin with, sometimes it puts you so far back without any clear path to recovery. The Catholic Charities stand by in the face of disasters, offering immediate help and support. They are trained to respond right away and to work with others to increase their impact. Support can be in the form of shelter, food, resources, money, counseling, and more. If you are facing financial difficulty because of a disaster, or know someone who is, you can advise them to contact the office nearest them.

The Catholic Charities of the United States is one of the most long-standing and wide spread non-profit organizations in the country. It exists to help people get on their feet and move forward in life, working to reduce poverty so people can live dignified lives in which they fully realize their potential. If you are in a place where you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.There are offices in every state, and you can go to this website to find one near you. To learn more about these programs and the organization, head over to the CCUSA website here.