Catholic Charities Week, coming May 1-7, highlights the tangible ways in which the people of western North Carolina are given help, a glimmer of hope, and inspiration to overcome the difficulties they are experiencing.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte served more than 15,000 people in 2021, as the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation created demand for food, housing and financial assistance.
Catholic Charities also rose to the challenge as a surge of refugees fleeing war-torn Afghanistan were welcomed to the area, creating a significant demand for resettlement services.
To date, more than 240 Afghan refugees have been resettled in Charlotte and Asheville since October. These families and individuals have received financial, medical, employment and housing assistance to enable them to start a new life in the U.S.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
Catholic Charities offers a comprehensive array of services, including pregnancy support and adoption services; individual, marriage, and family counseling; support for pregnant teens and teens in crisis; distribution of food and non-food donated goods to the needy; refugee resettlement and immigration services; disaster relief; economic opportunity development; and social concerns, education and advocacy – including justice and peace, Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
“Through the generosity of our donors and partnerships with funders, we are able to offer services either free of charge or on a sliding fee scale to all whose needs fall within our range of expertise and ability to serve,” says Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities.
All of Catholic Charities’ services are available to clients regardless of their race, ethnicity or religion.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Financial donations to enable Catholic Charities to assist participants and buy food are an effective way to help serve people in need. Make donations online at www.ccdoc.org (click on “Donate”); or by mail to: Catholic Charities, Central Processing, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003.
Need assistance?
Catholic Charities offers services to people across western North Carolina. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or reach out to your local Catholic Charities office:
Asheville 828-255-0146
Charlotte 704-370-3262
Greensboro 336-288-1984
Lenoir 828-434-5710
Murphy 828-835-3535
Winston-Salem 336-727-0705
People who need assistance can also call 2-1-1 to find up-to-date information on available community services that may be available. 2-1-1 helps connect people to information about local food pantries, medical resources and possible changes to government benefits.