What Catholic Charities of Cortland County Offers — and How to Get Help
Catholic Charities of Cortland County (CCOCC) is a private nonprofit human service agency that has operated in Cortland County since the 1970s. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse but serves people of all faiths and backgrounds — no religious affiliation is required to access any of its programs. This page is a guide to understanding what CCOCC actually offers, because the organization does considerably more than most people realize from the name alone. It runs food assistance, emergency housing help, mental health and substance use services, residential programs, street outreach, and a reentry program for people leaving incarceration.
The main office is at 33-35 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045. The main number is (607) 756-5992. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For food pantry and housing assistance specifically, call ext. 134.
Community Food Pantry
The CCOCC Community Food Pantry is open to any Cortland County resident in need of food, once per month per household. No appointment is needed — service is walk-in only. Bring proof of Cortland County residency. In addition to food for several days of meals, the pantry typically carries personal care and hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toilet paper, and razors — items that SNAP benefits cannot cover.
Infant supplies including diapers and formula may be available based on current inventory. Pantry hours are generally Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (607) 756-5992 ext. 134 to confirm hours before your first visit. If other pantry options are needed, see the Cortland County food pantry page
Home, Utilities and Shelter Assistance - possible financial help
For Cortland County residents who are homeless or at immediate risk of losing housing, CCOCC provides limited emergency financial assistance with rent and utilities. Because funding is capped, requests are prioritized as they come in and this is treated as a program of last resort — applicants must first apply for other available benefits through the Department of Social Services, including HEAP energy assistance, before CCOCC resources can be used. If approved, help can cover back rent to prevent eviction, utility arrears to prevent shutoff, or security deposit assistance. Call (607) 756-5992 ext. 134 to discuss your situation.
Care Coordination - programs for kids and adults
CCOCC provides care coordination services for both children and adults in Cortland County. For children ages 5 and up with a serious emotional disturbance who do not qualify for Medicaid, CCOCC offers Non-Medicaid Care Management. For adults with serious and persistent mental illness, Health Home Care Management connects Medicaid recipients with a dedicated care manager who helps navigate physical health, behavioral health, and social service needs in a single coordinated plan.
Families of children under 18 can also access Children's Health Home Care Management. These programs are particularly useful for individuals managing multiple, overlapping challenges across the healthcare and social services system.
Pathways to Reentry
CCOCC operates a reentry program specifically for people who are currently incarcerated or recently released. Pathways to Reentry works to eliminate the systemic barriers — housing, identification, benefits access, employment — that make successful reintegration difficult. For someone leaving jail or prison in Cortland County without a stable landing place, this program can be a critical bridge. Contact CCOCC at (607) 756-5992 for current program details and referral information.
Youth and Family Services
CCOCC provides services for at-risk youth and families in Cortland County, including mentoring and support programming. The specific offerings in this area have evolved over time; call the main office for current program availability.
Contact information
The Cortland Catholic Charities is part of the Syracuse Diocese - they share that website as well. See https://www.ccsyrdio.org/about-us/catholic-charities-areas/ for additional information.
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