Topeka area Catholic Charities financial assistance programs.
Several churches in Shawnee County are part of the Topeka Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Center (EAC). Together they help the low income, poor, immigrants and single moms (among others) pay their bills or housing. Clients can get free food or basic needs, clothes, vouchers for gasoline or medications and other help.
There is one main Catholic Charity application site in the Shawnee County area. It is for intake for their assistance programs, but a number of volunteers as well as donations from the community keep it going. Any emergency financial help for expenses such as rent, healthcare, utility bills, or anything else is limited – it is based on funding.
Topeka Catholic Charities funds that help pay bills
Housing assistance, specifically homeless prevention, rehousing, budgeting and financial aid, is available as part of Catholic Charities housing response. There may be some financial aid to pay back rent or a mortgage. This will help the currently homeless as well as people living in poverty or those with an unexpected crisis, such as loss of income or job. The rehousing, among other things, can be thought of as Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness.
While many residents of Shawnee County can apply, working with the homeless that are immigrants, faced a crisis due to reduction of income, elderly, disabled and/or mentally ill is the focus. This is the case as they are often unable to live in congregate living situations in Topeka Kansas, such as a shelter. First is placement into a shelter or temporary accommodations, even a hotel. After that need has been addressed, then outreach is provided to individuals.
For those that qualify for help, assistance is given with applying for financial benefits. This will only be done after all the goals have been met. But the process will involve everything from money for security deposits to first months rent, moving costs, and much more.
Shawnee County Catholic Charity churches may also help (1) pay utility, light or heating bills that are in arrears or (2) give a few dollars to help turn power or utilities back on. This is also offered at the Emergency Assistance Center (EAC). Catholic Charities can offer this as lack of power (or even water) can also lead to homelessness. There are also referrals to utility company assistance programs and payment plans in Kansas.
Topeka Emergency Assistance Center (EAC) also helps with healthcare needs, in particular medications for critical needs. This may be insulin, information on programs such as Blink or NeedyMeds discount cards, generic medications for blood pressure, and so much more. They may have vouchers to offset the cost of some prescription medications, or give free prescription drugs in some cases.
Food pantries, clothing banks, medical and free basic needs
Shawnee County Catholic Charities is closely involved in working in conjunction with local grocery stores (including Wal-Mart) as well as food banks. To this end the agency is able to supply struggling families as well as individuals with basic grocery items. There may be free boxed and canned food, meats, or even fresh fruits and vegetables. There is also a free clothing and furniture bank for winter jackets, beds, couches, boots, shoes, school items and other supplies.
Not only may canned as well as non-perishable goods be given out, but there can also be free household staples. Those can be expense, and SNAP food stamps do not pay for them. So Catholic Charity churches may have free soap, paper towels, basic toiletries, toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
All the food and household supply programs are run in partnership with other groups. There are donations from Topeka area churches, organizations, grocery stores, families as well as individuals. All these different groups offer in-kind donations for not only the clothing closets, but also the food bank. They contribute supplies such as linen, household furniture, small appliances, and paper products.
Applying for, and phone number for Catholic Charities in Shawnee County
The list of programs above is a sampling. There are other resources from Catholic Charity churches. However, any support is always combined with long term “stability” programs. This means the Shawnee County client will be referred to job programs, health care resources like Medicaid or Medicare, government legal aid from free attorneys, and so much more.
As noted, the assistance programs, including free food pantry, are run at the Catholic Charity EAC - Emergency Assistance Center. A case manager and volunteers will be on site for those with appointments. The address is 234 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66603. Call (785) 233-6300. They also try to find solutions, in a holistic way, for the crisis.
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