Benton County Washington Catholic Charity assistance programs and social services.
Catholic Charities of Benton will try to support struggling families regardless of their ethnic, religion, cultural and socio-economic status. Many of the challenges faced by residents of Benton County are not class specific. Whether it is unemployment or the increasing costs of paying for life's basic needs, the fact is that most families in the Tri-Cities or anywhere across Benton County are within a paycheck or two away from hunger or homelessness.
Therefore, both volunteers and staff from Catholic Charity churches try to help the vulnerable that live in Benton County, Prosser, the Tri-Cities and nearby regions. Local businesses and the government support the charities efforts to stabilize the lives of those who are in trouble. There are volunteers that work at the soup kitchen or pantry. Other people will try to direct individuals to any number of public support programs in the area. They try to offer hope for those that are struggling.
Free food, financial and shelter or housing programs
The emergency free food pantry has been created by the non-profit to provide non-perishable food items. This will be available on an emergency basis to income eligible Benton County residents. In general, the pantry is only available to clients who meet income limited and are faced with a crisis. It can only assist a household once a month. In addition, the pantry runs solely on the donations of product from the region and depends on the generosity of volunteers.
Emergency homeless program focus on the applicants immediate needs. Whether they currently need a place to live, or if they are facing impending homelessness, assistance may be arranged. As funding allows, the first month's rent can be paid or there may be money from Catholic Charities for eviction prevention.
After the crisis has been dealt with, attention from case managers is turned to other ways to solve the root of the problem. This is accomplished by staff from the charity and the client networking with other agencies. This can range from the department of social services for HUD vouchers or maybe the local job training program.
Permanent housing solutions are explored as well. The coordinator from the charity will partner with the client in locating long-term, affordable housing. They have information on local apartment communities or landlords that may have accommodations available. This is done to assure shelter is provided.
Catholic Charity case managers follow through with the customers. They do this to assure continuity of all services and assist in any way possible with the entire family. Other programs can include a wide array, such as health checks, utility bill assistance, job search, and much more.
Housing is also arranged for people with a disability. There are solutions such as Shelter Plus Care and others. They are run by the state of Washington as well as a yearly grant from HUD, or the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Shelter Care Plus gives support to homeless individuals/ families with a disability of mental illness, AIDS, substance abuse, or a physical limitation. Prospective tenants are able to choose their own places of residence to live in. Find more details on financial help for the disabled in Washington.
Catholic Charity referrals to medical care and energy programs
Grants for paying utility bills are available from the LIHEAP Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program. It can assist a Benton County household if they meet income targets. If qualified, the family may be given a one time payment for their bills, whether electric, heating oil, or a water payment. Applicants must meet federal government established income guidelines and provide required documents to qualify.
When it comes to affordable health or dental care, there are Family Medical Centers across the greater Benton County, Richland Washington and Tri-City community. There are also many free dental care clinics in Washington. With the ever increasing costs of medical bills and health insurance premiums, access to quality, yet affordable, care is a major problem.
Therefore, various clinics offer high-quality primary health care to hundreds of patients per month. There are volunteer physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, part-time doctors, and a support staff. Each is focused on helping as many people as possible, and Catholic Charity can offer referrals to the centers.
Additional Social Services from Catholic Charity churches
Catholic Charities offers many other services to the community as well, whether directly at the main office or via referrals or with partners.
- There is help for new or expectant moms, such as counseling, free baby formula, clothes or diapers and more.
- Child and day care is arrange for working moms or dads, and while it often comes with a low cost, there are some free government vouchers in Washington to pay for day care.
- Elder services are arranged by Catholic Charities, including volunteers from Benton County who can visit the elderly, check on their health, do work or chores around the home and more.
- Low cost/affordable behavioral health for teens, children, parents and others.
- Debt reduction and management are arranged with local non-profits, and learn more on help with debt or unpaid loans.
Other assistance can be arranged too. Both volunteers as well as staff at the Catholic Charities of Richland are available. In addition, there is always a need for more volunteers or donations.
Apply to assistance from Benton County Catholic Charities
There are several churches that are part of the organization. The Benton County Catholic Charities location is at 2139 Van Giesen St, Richland, WA 99354. Phone number is (509) 946-4645.
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