Helping shutdown’s victims
Catholic Charities asks for financial gifts as requests for assistance start to ratchet up
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio is asking for financial assistance to aid residents adversely affected by the federal government shutdown.
J. Antonio Fernandez, its president and CEO, said the agency has seen an uptick in requests for rental, food and utility assistance.
He said Catholic Charities has been responding to such requests and is also offering gift cards and wraparound services, including basic needs such as food at its West Side location, Guadalupe Community Center, 1801. W. César Chávez Blvd.
“We have received many calls from our community asking for our help,” Fernandez said in an email and online alert. “As always, we are here to help in any way that we can.
“Consider sharing this message with those you know and if you know of someone who is need of help please direct them to Catholic Charities.”
The agency is specifically asking for H-E-B or Walmart gift cards or cash donations, which can be made in person or online at Catholic Charities website, ccaosa.ejoinme.org/GS2019.
“We help those in crisis every day,” his appeal said. “And, every day crisis looks different. Catholic Charities aims to support those affected by the government shutdown to provide immediate basic needs, prevent homelessness and utility disconnection, comfort the displaced, and strengthen the vulnerable.”
Donations and non-perishable food items can be delivered to Catholic Charities’ headquarters, 202 W. French Place, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays “until this crisis is over,” he said. The number there is (210) 222-1294.
Donations are also being accepted at the agency’s Guadalupe Community Center, 1801 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd; (210) 2266178.
Those seeking assistance should bring a Texas ID or driver’s license for those over age 18; a Social Security card for all household members; and a government employee ID and proof of income for the last 30 days.
The latter can include a check stub or proof of receiving benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps; child support; pr Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
To be considered for rental assistance, Catholic Charities will request your notice to vacate, current lease agreement, utility disconnection notice or past due bills.