Terrebonne and Lafourche Catholic Charities financial assistance programs.
The Catholic Charities social services of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux offer help to low income and working poor families in the area. Assistance ranging from food to Christmas meals and gifts is available, along with very limited financial aid. The churches and charity support the parishes of Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption as well as St. James and John the Baptist.
The charity mostly relies on volunteers and donations, however they do their best to help children, the poor, and elderly. Not only do they operate some of their own programs, but Catholic Charities can also offer referrals and other support services to clients and the working poor.
Free Christmas toys for children, as well as holiday gifts baskets or food, are available from the Adopt a Family Christmas program. This is for low income families in the Diocese, including Terrebonne and Lafourche parish region. The main number is 876-0490.
Food and clothing is distributed from the Catholic Community Center in South Lafourche Louisiana. Counseling, outreach, and disaster relief programs are all offered as well. 632-6859.
Churches from the area combined resources to run the Good Samaritan Food Banks. A few faith based pantries in the region include Houma (851-5523), Thibodaux (phone 447-9776) and Raceland (dial 537-7706). They may have free food as well as other household items and support to families in crisis. The aid is normally offered by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux while a client is waiting to receive food stamps or other government benefits. Also, the St. Mary Parish / Morgan City food bank can be reached at 385-0525.
CHS, or Catholic Charity Housing Services, offers help low to moderate income families who wish to become homeowners. The counseling program provides assistance in getting the best terms for a mortgage, pre-purchase and also post-purchase advice, and referrals to foreclosure prevention programs as well. Phone - 876-0490.
Direct financial aid may be offered as part of Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Catholic Charities family assistance program. Clients may receive free budget Counseling, cash assistance and other support. This is available for people or families that are facing a temporary crisis due to a situation that occurred that was beyond their control. Any support is one time, short term only. It can help with rental payments, utilities, medications, or other critical needs. Telephone - 876-0490.
Project Self Help is another form of financial support. However this will only help with job placement or educational expenses, such as maybe a gasoline voucher. 876-0490.
Free or low cost car repairs are part of the St. Christopher Safe Auto Program. All too often, car breakdowns can cause employment and a number of other financial problems for working poor families. It can even prevent them from making it to work and can cause a job loss.
Catholic Charities therefore offers a program that will assist with paying the costs of car repairs so that the individual’s job is not at risk. Local mechanics, repair shops and car dealerships have partnered with churches to fix the vehicles. 876-0490.
If you are looking to start a business, then the C.E.N.T.S. program is available. It operates as a self-employment, entrepreneurs' resource that provides advice and support to the growth and development of small businesses in the region, including St. James and Terrebonne.
VITA is available as a source of free income tax preparation and e-filing. This is for low to moderate income residents as well as senior citizens.
The disabled, or those applying for benefits from the government, can get help applying for cash benefits. Individuals from Louisiana who are considering applying for SSDI, Social Security Disability benefits, or SSI can contact the office for free advice and assistance in helping with application. This is also offered for the recently disabled. This is available across of Lafourche, Terrebonne, Assumption and other nearby parishes. Telephone - 876-0490.
St Lucy Child Development Center can offer Nursery and Child Development Services, Pre-school and other help for children under the age of 6. It was created so that lower income parents can attend school, find jobs, or attend training. Telephone - 876-1246 or 876-0490.
Immigration, Refugee, and Prison programs are all offered. Catholic Charities in Terrebonne and Lafourche recognizes the need for assistance and guidance from this population. They work to offer food, address the lack of affordable housing, and can coordinate free legal assistance for addressing basic needs. Much of this is offered from the Catholic Community Center in Galliano.
The prison ministry services are active for adults or youth in the Terrebonne Work Release facility on Savanne Road as well as Juvenile Justice facilities in Ashland. Catholic Charities of Houma-Thibodaux work to help immigrants and ex-prisoners cross Louisiana.
The main locations of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux include the following.
- Catholic Charities, 1220 Aycock Street, Houma, LA 70360, 985-876-0490
- St. Lucy Child Development Center is based at 1224 Aycock Street, Houma, Louisiana 70360, call 985-876-1246
- The Terrebonne Good Samaritan Food Bank distributes groceries from 254 Magnolia Street, Houma, LA 70360. Call 985-851-5523 for hours.
- Raceland Good Samaritan Food Bank is another option. 2084 Highway 182, Raceland, LA 70394, dial 985-537-7706. There is also a Thrift Store on site.
- Thibodaux Good Samaritan Food Bank, 100 Birch Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301, 985-447-9776
- Catholic Community Center, 9018 East Avenue A (90th Street), Galliano, Louisiana 70354, dial 985-632-6859
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