One of our Emergency Financial Assistance Specialists received a referral from United Way 2-1-1 for helping a mother and her newborn find a space place to live. Mercedes had just given birth to a baby girl a few hours before we called her and Mercedes was very grateful and excited to talk to the EAS even after the discomfort and pain of childbirth.
Mercedes relayed that she and her three other young children were fleeing a domestic violence situation. She was scheduled to move into a humble home the day before, but her checks for the security deposit bounced and she could not come up with the first month’s rent, as well as a utility deposit and payment for an outstanding balance from JEA. She had lined up 2 jobs to work once she finished her 6-week maternity leave but just needed the help securing a home.
When she thought she had nowhere else to go, our caseworker was able to work with the property management company to get Mercedes and her family into a place after her discharge from the hospital. The family is loving their new place and Mercedes sent a text to her caseworker saying, “Thank you so much. You are the best. Such a blessing! Thank you again!”
Catholic Charities is fortunate to be supported by different types of funders, including state/federal grants, individual donors, trusts, giving foundations, and more. This diverse funding pool enables us to help the most vulnerable in our community. Occasionally some grants have restrictions so we tap into our discretionary funds such as designated gifts for Emergency Financial Assistance or Divine Society to help ensure we can serve clients like Mercedes.
To learn more about how your gifts help transform lives please visit our donation page.
If you have any questions regarding donations, please contact Director of Development, Nicola Barnack at nbarnack@ccbjax.org