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January 15, 2019Catholic Charities Agencies Offering to Help Furloughed Federal Workers
Catholic Charities Agencies throughout the Albany Diocese are available to assist furloughed federal workers. Through programs like food pantries, counseling, and information and referrals Catholic Charities can offer some assistance to workers who may be struggling at this time.
“We’re all hoping for a speedy resolution to this shutdown,” said Vincent W. Colonno, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. “To have people out of work for that long can have a real impact on a family’s ability to pay bills and meet basic needs.” Catholic Charities runs 12 agencies in upstate New York and the greater Capital District, which operate programs such as soup kitchens, food pantries, counseling, and other assistance. “Our agencies are all on alert to assist furloughed federal workers with food, referrals, and other help. We’ve waived some prerequisites for those affected by the federal shutdown to try and get assistance to people as quickly as possible,” Colonno said.
Catholic Charities programs receive roughly $8 million dollars a year of federal funding that passes through state agencies, and there is concern that if the shutdown continues the programs those funds support might be interrupted. Vulnerable people who rely on Catholic Charities in areas like housing, food security, and heating assistance could be affected. Without these programs, many have no place to turn for critical services. The organization is urging a quick resolution to the government shutdown.
For furloughed federal workers in the following counties, please contact your local Catholic Charities Office M-F from 9:00am to 4:30pm for information on what programs may be available to assist you.
Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer: 518-512-3577 (Catholic Charities Tri-County Services)
Columbia & Greene: 518-828-8660 ; 518-943-1462
Fulton & Montgomery: 518-842-4202
Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie: 607-432-0061 ; 518-234-3581
Herkimer: 315-894-9917
Saratoga, Warren, Washington: 518-587-5000 ; 518-793-6212
A full listing of programs and agency contact information can be found online at www.ccrcda.org under the “Get Help” section.
