Catholic Charities of Peoria County assistance programs.
Find help from Catholic Charity churches in Peoria County. The non-profit, faith based organization provides a number of basic needs, referrals, and more to the less fortunate in the local Peoria community. A combination of partnerships with local charities, including the Spalding Pastoral Center, as well as funds raised from the thrift store are used to keep the operation running.
In general, no two applicants are given the same type of assistance. This is the case as resources are limited and programs often change. So there may be a client that is given a grant to pay their rent, or others get tips on applying for SNAP food stamps or the Affordable Health Care Act. There are no guarantees to receiving support from Catholic Charities, such as St. Andre Bessette Ministries, but anyone facing an emergency can apply.
Free basic needs, food, meals and related items
Through the support of the Peoria community (mainly donations), the Catholic Charity food bank, Lunch Kitchen, and Baby Supply bank provides emergency groceries to individuals or families in need. There is also meals from the St. Bessette Lunch Kitchen as well as free baby supplies (diapers, formula, etc.) from the St. Gianna Baby Pantry.
The site is open between 3 to 5 days per week. The groceries that are passed out, which tend to be higher qualify and healthy, come from a variety of sources including donations from local churches, grocery stores, restaurants, Peoria County regional farms and the community.
The food or baby supplies (or meals) is combined with other social services. This is done in an effort to help move clients towards self-sufficiency. There may be free grocery items such as dairy, fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, grains baby formula, and more. The food boxes are given out in lieu of hot meals. When it comes to self-sufficiency, this is when staff at the Catholic Charity food bank refer their clients to everything from budgeting counseling to jobs programs. Or find other low income free baby supply programs.
Free Christmas food baskets, small toys, and back to school supplies are all passed out as well. These are seasonal programs offered by Catholic Charities of Peoria County partner organizations. There may be notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, and many other items. There may be items for high school age kids (or students) down to infant age, and Spanish speakers and immigrants can also get free school supplies in Peoria County.
Catholic Charity emergency assistance
Each financial assistance program from Peoria County Catholic Charity has its own eligibility requirements. They also all have a certain amount for resources allocated to them, as the funding comes and goes. This may be some money for rent, medications or medical needs, or maybe a utility bill to help the customer keep their service on. Since there is in fact an application process in place, the staff will need to the applicant questions on their income, hardship, budgeting, etc.
Specialists from the non-profit, faith based church will determine what options are available, whether a church loan or other funds. They will then connect the client to the right programs, whether they are run directly by the agency or a partner, such as a church in the community. All of the resources available can help the client achieve their goals, whether it is housing, saving, budgeting, career, or something else. This means any emergency financial aid is usually combined with long term stability type programs. Or look into how to get loans from churches for paying bills.
Applying for Catholic Charities resources in Peoria County
There are multiple locations, churches, and programs. St. Andre Bessette Ministries has many food assistance programs, including the lunches and meals. The address is 1825 NE Adams, Peoria. The St. Gianna Baby Pantry has items for low income parents and/or single moms. There is also the Spalding Pastoral Center, which is the main Catholic Charities locations. That address is 419 NE Madison Ave, Peoria Illinois. Call (309) 671-1550, or try the main intake number of 309-677-7696.
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