Many reaching out to Catholic Charities for help

As individuals and families continue to feel the impact of inflation on their monthly budgets, many are reaching out to Catholic Charities for help.

Derek Tyler, program director for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, says clients are sharing that they are choosing between paying their utility bills or buying food. Thankfully, Our Daily Bread is able to lessen the burden for many by providing 2-3 days’ worth of food. Derek says it is not unusual for the pantry to distribute as much as 15,000 pounds of food a month.

At St. Anthony Family Shelter, Ann Nash, program director, says that homelessness is on the rise as many struggle to pay their bills. Late last year, Wichita Public Schools reported a higher number of its students were homeless.

Even St. Anthony is feeling the pinch. The higher costs to heat and cool the shelter has forced St. Anthony to deplete its utilities budget for the entire fiscal year – mid-way through the year.

Keri McGregor, program director at Harbor House says a surge in calls, which often happens during the holidays, has the shelter near capacity while other clients are assisted with safe hotel stays, putting a strain on the shelter’s client assistance budget.

Charitable donations to the Faithful Servant Fund help Catholic Charities address these growing needs within our ministries.