The Meaning of Charity is Love
Did you know that the word ‘charity’ originally meant ‘Christian love of your fellow human beings? In the late 18th century, charity began to be used for organizations that help others. Which makes a lot of sense! After all, is there a greater expression of love than helping another person?
Recent Study on Poverty in U.S. Cites Local Cities
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 24/7 Wall St. identified the city in every state hit hardest by extreme poverty. The study ranked metro areas in each state by the share of the population living below the poverty line in neighborhoods with poverty rates of 40% or higher.
Why Seniors Are Relying on You
Did you know that across Pennsylvania, 33% of seniors earn above the poverty level, but not enough to make ends meet, showing that programs like social security do not assure financial stability. These seniors—many who worked all their lives—are struggling to budget for basic necessities alone.
Back to School Season Brings New Expenses for Families
As much as parents may look forward to getting back into the routine or the schoolyear—especially after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic—back to school means new expenses for clothing, shoes, supplies and technology.
With Federal Evictions Ban Lifted, Local Neighbors May Need Extra Help
The federal ban on evictions officially ended July 31, leaving about 400,000 Pennsylvania households at-risk, according to the State Department of Human Services. While help is available for households that meet the income requirements, some local families may not meet this threshold but still face financial struggles.
How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact ALICE Households?
The results of a March 2021 survey by the United Way of PA shows the negative impact of the pandemic on already struggling ALICE households.
More About ALICE
Households fluctuate above and below the ALICE threshold over time. For instance, an ALICE household may capitalize on their education and move above the threshold, an ALICE household may experience a health emergency, lose a job, or suffer a disaster and unexpectedly slip into poverty.
ALICE Households in Our Eight-County Area
Among the eight counties in our Diocesan area, Huntingdon County has the highest percentage of ALICE households at 35%, with some areas within as high as 45%. Bedford (32%) and Somerset (31%) are close behind.
Get to Know ALICE: How Your Gifts are Making a Difference for Working Neighbors in Need
Who is ALICE? Identified by the United Way (an important partner agency of Catholic Charities) ALICE is the face of your neighbors who are working but still struggling to survive.
“Peace of Mind is Precious Cargo”: COVID Vaccines for Housing-Compromised Individuals
The Martha & Mary House Emergency Homeless Shelter: Uniquely Designed for Johnstown’s Urban-Rural Dynamic
Martha & Mary House Overcoming Covid Restrictions to Keep Serving Homeless Population
Compassionate Assistance and Helpful Guidance
When you give to Catholic Charities, do you know the full scope of your generosity? First, your support makes sure our doors are open to all—anyone who needs help can seek our assistance, regardless of their faith. Catholic Charities does not exist to help Catholics, it exists to help donors of all faiths help their neighbors.
