We would like to thank parishioners who have donated to our parish Outreach program. Outreach helps people in the community who are experiencing a crisis such as potential eviction because of inability to pay back rent, help with utility bills when facing a shut off, emergency car repairs, help with food or medication. We work with Community Care Alliance to help individuals qualify for State or Federal assistance or referral to available programs. During November and December Outreach helped two families in crisis. One family needed help for back rent and had received an eviction notice. They also needed food and had very little for their son for Christmas. Outreach connected them to CCA and they are now in the process of applying for federal assistance with their rent. They also received a Thanksgiving basket and other food staples from our Food Pantry and several gifts and clothing for their son through our Giving Tree project. The second family was a single mother who needed help with back rent. She had been able to piece together some money from family and friends. Outreach reached out to the property manager at her housing and our funds were able to pay the balance. Chris Bijesse of the Social Justice Committee is our Outreach Coordinator. Thanks to Chris for his time, expertise and compassion.
We provide support to families in need in our community, This includes rental, utility and medication support. We network with other agencies in the city. Our support comes from the Outreach "poor boxes" at the entries to the church, donations from the parish community, and proceeds from the Holiday Bazaar.
During this time of social distancing and workplaces: Our Outreach Program continues to assist people in our community. A family needing help with a utility bill was able to receive some assistance from our Outreach program to pay a back bill. Requests have been down because of the moratorium on utility shutoffs and evictions. While we are all living through uncertain times dealing with COVID19, many individuals are alone and isolated. Many others are living in close quarters with family members 24/7 Parents are trying to work from home and oversee and help with their children’s education. Life can be very stressful. It’s important to take care of our mental health. You can get help by phone. Call 401-414-5465 (for adults) or 1-855-543-5465 (for children)
“Poor Boxes” located at the 3 church entrances support the Parish Outreach program which is part of our Social Justice Ministry. The Outreach program (formerly St. Vincent de Paul) helps local members of the community who have a temporary crisis with housing or other basic needs. Outreach coordinates with Community Care Alliance which can help with additional resources. The usual amount of money that Outreach supplies is $200 and is paid directly to a landlord, utility company, etc. In the last month the Parish Outreach program helped 3 families (involving 7 young children) with housing needs. One family was about to be evicted for back rent. OUTREACH and CCA helped pay the average to keep the family in their apartment. Two other families were living temporarily in a local motel because they had lost their housing. Outreach helped pay for a couple of nights lodging. One of the families has since moved into an apartment and the mom has found work. Donations to the Outreach program through the boxes located at the church entrances or through the weekly collection help people in need in our community.
Thank You for your continued generosity. Interested in helping out? Contact Chris Bijesse through the rectory
Our mission is to help people in need in our community. Anyone who might be experiencing a difficult time financially due to illness, or loss of income can be a recipient of some assistance. If you need assistance you may call Holy Trinity rectory at 762-5117 and Alicia will be in touch with Chris Bijesse.
