Broome County Catholic Charities assistance programs.
The Catholic Charities of the southern Tier can provide a number of programs for families that are unemployed, low income, or considered working poor. While resources are limited, as they will be at any non-profit, Catholic Charities may be able to offer free food, shelter, housing assistance and more. They also have partnerships with other Binghamton area non-profits such as Ladies of Charity.
Clothing closets and food pantries can provide the needy with their basic needs. While they try not to turn anyone away who qualifies, the locations do rely on donations and volunteers so the amount of assistance available will have restrictions. The Catholic Charity program does its best to provide for the material needs of clothing and food for individuals and families in the area. This is done in partnership with the Ladies of Charity's Nearly New Shop.
As indicated, there are some limits to what is available. But the program may provide Thanksgiving baskets, layettes for newborns, professional work clothes, summer lunch and reading programs, food, toys, and general clothing. Many other services are run at Christmas. Most items are sold to the general public at reduced rates. Not only that, the center can provide information and referrals to other resources, including financial aid, that operate in the community.
The Ladies of Charity center is independent of Catholic Charities, however they do work together. The non-profit operates a gently used clothing shop which is located at 100 Main Street in Binghamton, New York. The charity also works closely with human service organizations, the local government and churches in the Southern Tier to provide clothing and other support to those in need. The center may have information on local employment assistance programs as well.
Oak Street Senior Community Center will distribute a free, nutritious lunch daily to those in need. In addition to the food it will offer an opportunity for special activities, including socialization, for residents age 60 and over. Some workshops tailored to meeting the needs of seniors may be held from time to time, including on financial or medical issues. The home bound in Broome County can also look into the Meals on Wheels program too. Transportation to the center can be arranged as well.
Social Concerns are addressed by Catholic Charities. The agency, both at the local and nation level, provides leadership in the agency's mission of promoting advocacy, housing and other resources for the poor and low income.
Other assistance may be offered as well, such as homeless prevention. Basically Catholic Charities works to fulfill the needs of each and every individual that they serve. Programs are offered for Broome County residents of all ages, religions and all walks of life. They will help immigrants, refugees from other counties, and other newcomers as well.
The unemployed, people with a medical emergency and those that have had their work hours cut (so a reduction in their income) create some of the more common requests. Many of them receive food, employment counseling, and maybe even some cash for rent or utilities when they are out of all other options. Case managers will try to provide immediate, confidential and thoughtful care based on their specific needs and do their best to feed the hungry and clothe the poor and low income.
Catholic Charity locations in Broome County
The two main centers are as follows. However other locations and churches in the region may be able to assist as well.
- 57 Chestnut St., Binghamton, dial (607) 723-6355
- 202 Garfield Ave, Endicott, New York, telephone (607) 741-0011
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