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CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Catholic Charities reports $62,294 in direct aid

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Catholic Charities has been providing emergency assistance to residents of Las Cruces who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 relief grant was made possible through the support of city leaders including Mayor Ken Miyagishima, Councilwoman Kasandra Gandara and members of the city council,” said Catholic Charities Executive Director Kenneth Ferrone. “Catholic Charities has been serving the poor and less fortunate in the Las Cruces community since 2004.”

To date, Ferrone said, $62,294 in direct assistance has been allocated to those affected by the pandemic. Of that, he said approximately $50,844 was given to individuals and families in need of rental and/or mortgage assistance. Approximately $11,450 was given to individuals in need of food and medical assistance.

In total, Ferrone said, the agency was able to assist 94 individuals/families April 22-June 30, and the average amount per family was $662.

Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors Chairperson Dr. Steven Lane said the moneys were used for those in dire need.

“Many of the individuals the agency helped either had recently lost a job, had their work hours reduced and/or became ill with the virus or had to care for family members who also became ill,” Lane said. “Because many of the families we serve were not eligible for federal stimulus checks, unemployment insurance or any benefits related to the CARES Act, the financial support we provided to Las Cruces families through the COVID-19 Relief Fund had an immediate and significant impact.”

Lane also cited specific examples of financial assistance the agency was able to provide, which included:

  • Mortgage assistance to a recently laid-off single mother with three young children
  • Gift cards for migrant workers, so they could buy food for their families
  • Purchase of clothes and food for homeless high school students through the agency’s partnership with FYI’s My Friend’s Place and New America School
  • Hotel vouchers for victims of domestic violence and their children through the agency’s partnership with La Casa, Inc.
  • Personal protective gear for migrant workers returning to the fields to harvest crops
  • Purchase of an electric wheelchair for a La Casa resident who has a disabled young daughter.

“Our agency is proud to serve the poor and less fortunate in a city that cares deeply about all its residents and has compassionate and caring leaders serving on its city council,” Lane said.

To donate, call 575-527-0500 or visit www.catholiccharitiesdlc.org.

Catholic Charities

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