Faces, not Numbers: We Change Lives, One Person at a Time

Catholic Charities is experiencing a significant increase in the demand for services and assistance with many Marylanders turning to us for the first time. Our services not only provide them with vital assistance such as food and shelter, but also improves their lives by offering the tools to increase self-sufficiency. In the past two years, Catholic Charities has…

• Served 750,000 meals to Maryland’s hungry
• Offered 200,000 nights of shelter to Maryland’s homeless
• Placed 1,000 individuals into employment
• Provided affordable housing for over 1,900 low-income seniors

While the numbers are staggering, the value and importance of our work come down to the individuals we serve on a daily basis. Here are just a few of the individuals whose lives have been touched through Catholic Charities:

Kathleen came to Baltimore with nothing more than two suitcases and five dollars to her name. Directed to Sarah’s House transitional housing, she was provided with a safe place to stay, warm nutritious meals, and was able to take classes to improve her situation.  Through the services provided at Sarah’s House and the help of the staff, she was able to gain stability and is now living in her own apartment. Kathleen said, “the staff welcomed me and made me feel at home and safe… They showed me the love of Jesus through everything they did.”

Janice had been living in dire conditions.  Needing to take over 30 medications a day, the cost consumed over half of her income, causing her to struggle to afford even the most basic necessities.  She is now blessed to be a resident at Catholic Charities Senior Housing at Our Lady of Fatima where her rent is based on her adjusted income minus her medical expenses.  Now she has safe, affordable housing.  She says, “I don’t know what I would do without Catholic Charities.”

Elizabeth lost her job due to the economy and for the first time found herself without a way to provide for herself or her son Stewart. Through the suggestion of a friend, Elizabeth sought help at Our Daily Bread Employment Center.  Here she found resources for education, job readiness training, and placement services that partner with over 150 area companies to increase job possibilities.  Elizabeth was able to utilize these services to help find another job and gain the tools she needed to support her family.

At age 68, Phil was not able to walk or make use of his hands due to severe arthritis But thanks to Catholic Charities Senior Housing at St. Luke’s Place and its Congregate Housing Services (CHS) Program, he found the assistance he needed. CHS provides housekeeping and support services that foster independence. Phil says, “I need the CHS program…  Without it, I’d be put in a nursing home for the rest of my life.” Phil praises the staff at St. Luke’s and says how wonderful CHS is at helping him with the housekeeping, meals, and other needs so he can be independent but also have the support he needs.

These stories are just a glimpse into the lives of the Marylander’s who have sought help from Catholic Charities. And as these needs are increasing we depend on the generous support of individuals like you.