Pierce County Catholic Charities services and assistance programs.
The philosophy of Catholic Charities in Piece County is to treat struggling families with respect and confidence. As resources allow, the faith based church will provide basic needs to income and otherwise qualified residents, regardless of their religion, race, or age. The goal is to both enhance the client's existing strength and provide basic needs.
The assistance is provided in close partnership with the applicant. Participation of Catholic Charities or the family is voluntary, and people are not entitled to receiving any aid. There may be basic support such as food along with the possibility of financial aid. Other services are for self-sufficiency, and can be ESL classes and similar services.
Food, hot meals, and hunger prevention in Pierce County
There is a Catholic Charities community wide Food Bank. It is intended to tackle hunger, both short and long term. It can also improve access to nutrition in cities such as Tacoma and others in the county. If seeking support from a food bank, residents need to bring poof of household income, residency, and also details on the number of household members that live at the residence. Note the homeless can also stop by the Family Center to learn about meal programs.
If found to be qualified by a volunteer from the church, each household can stop by to get free food for their families, with limits. The assistance is for an emergency, and is one-time only. There can be some exceptions made though. Other items passed out from the food bank may be diapers, toiletries, feminine products in stock, and free baby formula, which may be for lower income parents so they are able to meet the nutritional needs of their infants. The aid from the food bank is for low-income residents in need and can only be called upon occasionally.
The charity is committed to providing nutritious choices, but this can be easier said then done. There may be fresh fruits offered as the result of donations from farmers or restaurants, but more is always needed. Some of what is passed out comes from partners such as local Feeding America affiliates.
Catholic Charities in Pierce County Washington is also involved in other food programs. They include a Meals on Wheels and Mobile Pantry service. Or clients can get applications to government aid such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) or SNAP EBT food stamps.
Low income, emergency financial help from Catholic Charities in Tacoma
Some limited financial assistance may be paid out. The Pierce County Catholic Charities will offer this on a very infrequent basis. In many cases, they will only offer referrals to clients. But some of what may be provided is below.
- Emergency assistance with electric, heating bills, and gas. There may also be deliverable fuels such as propane in Tacoma Washington.
- Eviction help in the form of one time rent assistance or money for a deposit.
- Vouchers may be given by Catholic Charities for medications, if the applicant has a serious medical need.
- Information on other housing programs may be offered too.
- Emergency shelters are located across Pierce County, and the homeless can be referred to them.
Much of the support is for the disabled and seniors, if they show proof of disability. Or then can be emergency assistance for families that have children in the home ages 18 and younger. Applicants to Catholic Charities or one of their partners must have some source of income so they can pay future costs on their own.
Catholic Charities in Pierce County may also offer loans for certain bills, and they will have low interest rates and be offered to people of all backgrounds. They will be small dollar amount (if and when issued) and are part of wider church based lender programs. Any loans will also be combined with budgeting as well as money management classes or workshops. Find more details on loans from churches or religious charities.
Catholic Charity free basic needs and vulnerable assistance programs
Catholic Charities of Pierce County may also have other assistance for Basic Family Needs. When a parent or single person is overwhelmed or has a serious financial challenge, it can be difficult. There are also services for clients with a disability. So a Catholic Charities volunteer can link the client to resources for legal aid, government assistance, clothing and other basic needs. This is mostly administered from a Family Center. This also can be addressed by a thrift store noted below.
Catholic Charities stores, both thrift and clothing closets, offer general material necessities to the community. The very low income may be given goods for free, while others are provided support at extremely low costs. There may be shoes, dishes, clothes, linens, appliances, and furniture. There can be items for people recovering from a disaster, such as a fire. All of this, and more, is available to the general public.
Additional support is for Pierce County senior citizens and disabled residents. Immigrants and newcomers to the county can also receive assistance or guidance on transitioning into the area. Some of what may be arranged is as follows.
-Seniors and the homebound can benefit from Homemaking, Meal Planning or Preparation, and Personal Care.
-Immigrants can be placed with low cost legal aid for immigrating to the US.
-Transportation for shopping or meal delivery can be arranged too.
-Respite care can also be arranged by churches for family caregivers.
-Staff can help applicants apply for benefits such as SSI or Medicaid as well.
Senior Citizens in Pierce County can also use the services from an Agency on Aging center. These are non-profits that offer mostly free or low cost (i.e. Meals on Wheels) services. There are field trips, congregates meals, community games and even financial support, including medication programs or Medicare applications. Learn more on Washington Agency on Aging senior assistance programs.
Applying for resources from Pierce County Catholic Charities
No matter what type of help someone is seeking, it will be combined with Case Management Services. This is used for setting goals so the client can exit poverty in the future. The primary address is 7050 S G St, Tacoma, Washington 98408. Call (253) 383-3697.
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