Overview

Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is a non-government, private, faith-based, non-profit agency that has been serving Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clinton, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties for more than 75 years. Our ministry focus is to support individuals and families facing an immediate crisis and to inform the community about critical social issues and advocate for policies that enhance human dignity to ensure basic human rights.

• We SERVE all persons who come to us in need, regardless of their faith and we do not discriminate on basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap, or disability
• We LISTEN to our clients with respect who are in vulnerable situations and/or lacking resources
• WE HELP to the best of our ability to assist with emergency financial services to those without access to basic needs such as food, electricity, heat, water, and emergency shelter
• WE ADVOCATE for the voices of the marginalized and for critical social issues
• WE CARE by serving persons and families in need with compassion, dignity, and empathy

Community Partnerships

The Catholic Charities trained staff actively collaborate with county-specific community partners to assist individuals and families during hardship situations to connect clients to resources. Established relationships with other human services and nonprofits provides community leverage of funding sources for a client-centered approach.

Case Management

Each client that requests assistance receives in-person case management and a complete financial assessment of their current circumstances which led to the “emergency.” All clients are screened for referrals to other private, state, and federal programs which might be able to alleviate the current crisis or prevent further crises from developing. If the client is eligible for government assistance such as LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Assistance Program), LIWAP (Low Income Water Assistance Program), Homeless Assistance Program (HAP), Dollar Energy Program, etc.  Caseworkers guide eligible applicants to all outside funding sources available and applications must apply for those programs prior to Catholic Charities assisting.