A mother struggling to feed her family. A middle-aged man seeking assistance for the first time. A family desperate for rental assistance. An unemployed laborer trying to find work. A returning citizen in need of housing.
They are among the faces of the pandemic and economic crisis that have created a need like we’ve never seen. People are hurting. In their search for relief, thousands come to us each week for food, shelter and basic human necessities.
All receive emergency assistance, as it’s available.
“Thank you so much for what you are doing for the community,” said one person who lined up at our food pantry hours in advance to receive a package of groceries. “I lost my job months ago, and my family has no income right now. Thank you for being there for us during this time. What you do is so important.”
Since March, we have been able to respond to calls for help because of the generosity of more than 1,450 donors to our COVID-19 response. In moments of caring, supporters have given a remarkable $2 million in donations to a special pandemic relief fund, along with a host of food pantry items, personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
Our community’s support to this special fund has allowed us to respond quickly and effectively to this historic challenge while we simultaneously work to sustain our ongoing operations. The by-the-numbers impact:
| 680,000 | Meals Provided During Pandemic |
| 14 | Community Food Distributions |
| 650 | People and Families Served Each Week at Spanish Catholic Center Pantry |
| 300 | People and Families Served Each Week at Montgomery Co. Family Center Pantry |
| 24/7 | Expanded Hours for Homeless Shelters |
| 2,718 | Telehealth Services Conducted for Psychiatric and Nursing Care Patients |
| 851 | Clients with Chronic Health Conditions Served by Nursing Staff |
| 920 | Facilitated Applications to Emergency Assistance Relief Program |
| 250 | Facilitated Registrations for Stimulus Checks |
| 3 | Dental Clinics Reopened to Serve Existing Patients |
| 7 | 2020 Graduates of Kennedy School |
| 22 | Children in Show Up, Stand Out Virtual Summer Camp |
| 42 | Students in Camp Glow Up Virtual Summer Camp |
| 13 | Graduates of Spring ESOL Course |
“I am 91,” said a woman who patiently waited in line for food. “I share this food with my family. You are helping us survive.”
President and CEO Msgr. John Enzler has pledged that Catholic Charities’ priority will continue to be addressing food insecurity and hunger while working to meet people’s basic needs.
As we remain committed to this promise, we need your help.
There is no foreseeable end to the suffering. Our emergency relief funds are rapidly being depleted by the extraordinary day in, day out requests for assistance.
Make a gift now to address the anguish that has accompanied the pandemic. Help us continue to be there for the community during this difficult time.