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August 14, 2020As a parish, the impact of our generosity to the 2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is felt throughout Eastern North Carolina, especially in these times of great need across a broader demographic.
Holy Infant is currently $23,000 from our goal with 31 percent of the parish participating. A gift of $50 from each parishioner will bring our parish to this goal and allow the BAA to continue meeting critical needs during this unprecedented time.
“I am heartened that as a parish we are so far along toward our BAA goal even under such harsh conditions,” Father Robert said.
Now more than ever, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal needs our support to continue the work of serving the diocese. The funds provide for the medical and legal needs of migrant workers as well as scholarships and subsidies for ministry leader training and retreats such as Project Rachel and Search youth retreat.
One agency, in particular, that is seeing a marked increase in assistance requests is Catholic Charities, which is partially supported in the diocese by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal funds. In the past year, nearly 3 million pounds of food were distributed by six food pantries in the diocese.
America Magazine reports that Catholic Charities nationwide has provided nearly $400 million in emergency aid and services since March in response to the pandemic-induced economic recession. Some diocese, such as the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, are soliciting extra monthly donations to help them continue the work of Catholic Charities.
Locally, the Catholic Charities-supported Durham Community Food Pantry reports that in the month of July, they served over 3,600 individuals, a more than 100 percent increase since February.
“We only see this number continuing to rise in the coming months and foreseeable future,” said David Juarez, program manager at the Durham food pantry.
Information gathered in late July by the umbrella agency for U.S. Catholic Charities operations also showed that the clients seeking assistance comprise a broader demographic than low-income and poor households that traditionally walk through the doors, according to an August 5 article in America Magazine.
Juarez confirms this saying that many families they are seeing have never requested such assistance until the unforeseen effects of COVID.
Several factors are fueling the increased need across a broader demographic. The July 31 end of the temporary unemployment benefit of $600 per week and continued restrictions on businesses are straining families’ and individuals’ ability to pay their bills and put food on the table.
“We are receiving more and more families and individuals who have never accessed any kind of food pantry or emergency assistance,” he said. The Hispanic population, in particular, has increased as many are not eligible for unemployment or other benefits, he added.
DCFP continues to offer case management services for families and individuals seeking resources such as housing, other food assistance and financial assistance, all of which are supported by Bishop’s Annual Appeal funds. For instance, a $30 gift to the BAA will provide groceries for a family of four for a week and a $100 gift enables them to provide two families with a voucher for heat or electricity. A $1,000 gift allows Catholic Charities to provide a rental deposit and furniture for a family displaced by a natural disaster.
Help us reach our BAA goal, which helps the Bishop to alleviate the suffering of a myriad of families and individuals.