Funding Cuts Jeopardize Catholic Charities
Food Programs
Government funding cuts, both federal and state, have hit Catholic Charities and its three soup kitchens/food programs hard. Organization president Vicky L. Schultz received word on September 1, 2011, that the North End, Holy Angels, and South Flint Soup Kitchens will not receive funding from the DHS (Department of Human Services) Emergency Services Fund due to a statewide policy shift – a funding loss of nearly $40,000. That comes in the face of having already received funding cuts from United Way, FEMA and others. In total, Catholic Charities will need to replace more than two-thirds of what it takes to purchase food, keep the doors open, turn on the lights and create more than 155,557 meals annually.
“We’ve received notice that this policy shift will end a longstanding funding relationship with one of our most valued funding sources. This follows on the heels of notification that one of government funding contracts will be lost to us, as well. As we enter our new fiscal year on October 1, we will be missing more than two-thirds of our program funding for meals. In the face of another cold winter, this news is devastating. The families and individuals who come to us for help and guidance come from communities across Genesee County; from Goodrich to Flushing, from Mt. Morris to Fenton. Everyone, regardless of faith or situation, is welcome to eat, find clothing and personal needs items, a coat, or a warm cup of coffee – all without charge,” according to Schultz. “We are looking to the community in hope they will find ways to share their canned goods and food, volunteer their time, and assist us with the funding we need.”
“When you combine our loss of funding with the increased need (a jump of 56% in the sandwich program and 17% in hot meals just between July and August this year), it makes the impending impact of welfare reform seem like an impossible roadblock. We have been serving the entire county since 1941 and we intend to continue for as long as we can,” stated Jon Manse, director of Community Services. “We need the funding that will allow us to keep the doors open and provide the programs that are vital to the survival of so many in our community.”
All assistance is welcome, and there are many ways to help: clubs and school groups, athletic teams and employee groups can get together to volunteer or cook a meal; or churches and youth groups can compete and sponsor a food drive or host a fund raiser. Please contact the Fund Development Department (810-232-9950 x228; via email at givehope@ccsgc.org) if you have questions, or require assistance with your donation or fundraiser.
Coverage:
Monday, September 26: Jon Manse, Pat Haley from Italia Gardens speak with Ilse Hayes on WJRT TV12
Tuesday, September 13: Prsident/CEO Vicky Schultz talks to Karen Gatlin on WJRT TV12
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