The Power of Giving and How You Can Help

Since March, we have been able to respond to calls for help because of the generosity of more than 1,590 donors to our COVID-19 response. In moments of caring, supporters have given a remarkable $2.4 million in donations to a special emergency relief fund, along with a host of food pantry items, personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. During these difficult times, our food programs are at the heart of the deep concern for people suffering from food insecurity and our commitment to “Say Yes.” More than 1 million meals have been served to them. Contribute to our efforts here.

Our community’s support has allowed us to respond quickly and effectively to this historic challenge while we simultaneously work to sustain our ongoing operations:

1,100,000  Meals Provided During Pandemic
25  Community Food Distributions
650  People and Families Served Each Week at Spanish Catholic Center Pantry
300  People and Families Served Each Week at Montgomery Co. Family Center Pantry
24/7  Expanded Hours for Homeless Shelters
2,718  Telehealth Services Conducted for Psychiatric and Nursing Care Patients
851  Clients with Chronic Health Conditions Served by Nursing Staff
920  Facilitated Applications to Emergency Assistance Relief Program
250  Facilitated Registrations for Stimulus Checks
3  Dental Clinics Reopened to Serve Existing Patients
7  2020 Graduates of Kennedy School
22  Children in Show Up, Stand Out Virtual Summer Camp
42  Students in Camp Glow Up Virtual Summer Camp
13  Graduates of Spring ESOL Course

 

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A Message from Father John

In these uncertain times, there is an antidote to the powerlessness we feel as we weather social distancing and see the effects of COVID-19 on neighbors, friends and family.

It is kindness and charity.

Please join Catholic Charities DC as we work to help the poor and others impacted by this public health emergency.

You can help by:

  • Making a monetary donation to support critically important social services. Donate here.
  • Donating grocery gift cards in values up to $50, mailing them to Catholic Charities, Attn: Development, 924 G St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 or emailing them to giving@cc-dc.org.
  • Purchasing items essential to our service (personal items and cleaning supplies) via our Amazon Wish List or other delivery service. Please visit our Amazon wish list or In-kind page.
  • Offering your prayers for our clients and employees who are on the front line of help.
  • Sew cloth face coverings for use by the staff and clients of our homeless shelters and food programs. Directions are posted here. Other volunteer and service opportunities can be found here.
  • Write a note of encouragement or have your child draw a picture of hope, which we’ll share with clients to lift their spirits and sense of isolation. Contributions can be mailed to Catholic Charities, Attn: Tara Arras, 924 G St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

Your gift will support essential food and meal programs in D.C. communities with the greatest need, and contribute to Cup of Joe and St. Maria’s Meals programs to meet immediate hunger needs.

Our essential services are continuing despite the challenge.

Some of our 59 programs are continuing without change, but others are being modified to ensure the health of our clients, employees and volunteers. The closure of schools and community buildings has meant the suspension of some services.

With agility, we are adjusting to a new way of providing life-changing programs.

And it’s paying off. We saw joy and excitement in the faces of participants in the Bank Teller Certification Program as they began their first online class after transitioning from the classroom. And we saw relief on the faces of people who received food from the Spanish Catholic Center pantry distribution.

Homeless men and women are finding refuge at low-barrier shelters. The hungry are being nourished through our food pantries and meal distributions. Newcomers are getting support from our legal services, and the unemployed are being trained in specialty jobs programs.

Find an update on our services here.

Community resources on utility disconnection, eviction and school food services compiled by the Parish Partners Program:
Calvert County
Charles County
District of Columbia
Montgomery County
Prince George’s County
St. Mary’s County

The need mounts as the crisis grows.

This public health crisis is increasing the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and we are diligently working to ensure that we can continue to meet their needs.

Support of Catholic Charities is more important than ever.

You can help Catholic Charities make our community stronger. Donate here