Champaign County St. Vincent de Paul emergency assistance programs.
The main service from the Champaign County St. Vincent de Paul assistance programs is around feeding the hungry, poor, and less fortunate. However, some other assistance may be arranged in some situations, ranging from shelter to free winter clothes, financial aid and more. A few locations are part of St Vincent de Paul, including Saint Patrick Church.
Champaign County St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank Assistance Programs:
There are a few resources available to help reduce (or eliminate) hunger. The non-profit church, faith based group will work to provide free food that can go a long way towards meeting the nutritional needs of economically disadvantaged Champaign County residents.
- Back Pack Buddy Program – This USDA support service provides kid friendly food to eligible low-income children as well as students from school in Champaign for the weekend. The groceries provided are intended to be easily prepared and healthy. More on Feeding America Backpack program.
- Emergency Food Assistance Program – Another USDA service. It is available at both pantries as well as commodity sites for insecure residents.
- Snack Attack - Healthy foods are used for students who attend after school programs.
- Client Choice Pantry - This location not only gives out groceries, but it also includes nutrition education, cooking classes and also workshops on food preparation. This is available at the Saint Vincent de Paul pantry.
If someone comes to the Saint Vincent de Paul soup pantry hungry, the charity will do whatever it can to help. Providing the center is open, the shelves are stocked, and volunteers are on site, the hungry person will be given a hot meal. The soup kitchen (as well as food pantry on site) was given a goal that no person in the Champaign County and that is covered by Saint Vincent would struggle with hunger.
The soup kitchen has a free nourishing noontime meal, with a limited delivery service to the homebound. The goal is to provide this at no cost, though this may be difficult if resources are scarce. So there may be a small fee. There are also participation criteria set by . Vincent de Paul as the same person can't abuse the service available.
Churches that are part of Saint Vincent de Paul hold holiday events too and help the low income. This includes passing out free food boxes, ingredients, turkey dinners, and other meals. Many also give out free small Christmas toys, gift cards, bikes, books, and more. These holiday items help the poor and less fortunate in Champaign County during all holidays, whether Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
Some examples of assistance (both financial and basic needs) available at Saint Vincent de Paul is as follows.
-Advocacy for the needs of families living in poverty.
-Short term loans, or government grants, to help with rent, utilities, water bills, and more.
-A free bag of food to help feed a family or child.
-Free clothes, furniture for a home or apartment, and other items.
-Resources to help the homeless locate a shelter in Champaign County and get on track for long-term housing.
- St. Vincent de Paul coordinates GED educational support, job placement, and more.
All of these services are intended to eradicate poverty and homelessness in the community. When funding is available, the team at the non-profit can sometimes help the working poor.
How to apply for St. Vincent de Paul programs in Champaign County
Champaign County St. Vincent de Paul can offer other social services too. Advice, referrals, school supplies, drug counseling, and so much more is available. The main location of Saint Vincent in the community is 708 W. Main Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801. For details, call 217-367- 2665.
|
