LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced today its Cardinal McIntyre Fund provided financial assistance to more than 350 families suffering financial loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The money, totaling over $400,000, assisted families with emergency medical care, rent, utility bills and emergency shelter, according to an Archdiocese of Los Angeles official.
“The coronavirus pandemic has hit families very hard. People who never worried before, found themselves with housing and food insecure, affected by this terrible illness or suffering from anxiety,'' said Kathleen Domingo, senior director of the Office of Life, Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese.
In March, the Office of Life, Justice and Peace also launched the Hearts to Serve initiative, in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus, to provide support to elderly, homebound and pregnant women. The program has served 1,800 people.
“Our L.A. Catholic community has come together with volunteers, resources, and new opportunities for helping. We are grateful for the sacrifices and generosity of so many that continue to help those in need, those who are sick and those who are lonely. Through these works of mercy, we bring Christ's love to our community,'' Domingo said.
The Department of Catholic Schools also mobilized during the pandemic to bring free meals to students. Over a million meals were served at 60 schools from April to September, and the department distributed play equipment and more than 26,000 iPads to students who had to quickly transition from in-person learning to distance learning.
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development also distributed nearly $170,000 to various parishes and organizations, including $5,000 each for Habitat for Humanity, Meet Each Need With Dignity, Claris Health, as well as Catholic Charities Community Centers located in the Our Lady of the Angels
Region, St. Robert's Center, St. Margaret's Center and El Santo Nino. People who want to donate to the fund can visit https://bit.ly/34Wm1Ig
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