|
|
"Living Our Faith," the 2008 Annual Bishop's Appeal, Has Launched in All 87 Parishes of the Diocese of Bridgeport
By PAT HENNESSY
Fairfield County Catholic (funded by the Appeal)
January 26, 2008
Page One: Introduction / Largest Provider
Page Two: Catholic Charities
Page Three: Making a Gift
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities receives 12 percent of the Appeal to support its soup kitchens (750,000 meals served last year), senior nutrition program, assistance to immigrants, and family counseling, among other programs. Under President/ COO Al Barber, with the encouragement of Bishop Lori, Catholic Charities has also moved to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing, the greatest respect life challenge facing Fairfield County.
"It's been an explosive year for housing," reports Bill Hoey, Catholic Charities vice president and director of housing. "As an agency we have added more housing than has been built since Augustana Homes was started under Bishop Walter Curtis."
Catholic Charities already provided housing and services to respond to a variety of needs. Among them, the Scattered Site Housing Program offers subsidized housing and case management for families and individuals who want to live independently but need supportive services for their mental and physical health. Another initiative, the Permanent Housing Program, makes housing with support services available to poor working families who risk homelessness because the head of household suffers a disability.
"Housing is much-needed because of its scarcity and its cost these days," says Msgr. Thomas Driscoll, V.G., pastor of Notre Dame Parish in Easton and chairman of the Pastors Advisory Committee (PAC) for the Appeal. "This is a very practical, very viable, and very much needed outreach of our faith. It's a manifestation of our love of God and neighbor in a practical way."
The year 2007 saw new housing initiatives. At the beginning of October, Catholic Charities took over Bethlehem House, which provides long-term transitional housing for homeless families in Stratford. In the seven years since its founding, Bethlehem House has assisted 40 families with more than 130 children. Each family can stay for up to two years while they look for jobs and a permanent residence.
The following month, Bishop Lori led a dedication and blessing ceremony for Conger House supportive housing on Bridgeport's East Side. The congregate housing allows formerly homeless residents a supportive community, while encouraging them to focus on reconnecting to their families, health care, and employment.
Before Christmas, Bishop Lori was on hand again when Catholic Charities broke ground on its latest initiative, permanent housing units on the property of Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport.
"Decent housing is fundamental to human dignity," Bishop Lori said at the groundbreaking ceremony. The project includes 16 two-and three-bedroom units on the Merton Center site with an additional six units to be constructed around the corner on Catherine Street. Work is expected to be completed next year.
Next: Making a Gift >>
|
|
