Catholic Charities receives $35K grant

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany has received a $35,000 grant to continue its mission during the coronavirus pandemic.

The grant comes from the Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which has raised over $450,000 since early March. The first round of grants worth $200,000 were doled out in early April.

"Things are not easy right now, but I take comfort in the ways we've come together to help those who are struggling,” said Vincent W. Colonno, Catholic Charities CEO. “With partners like the Community Foundation, and our fellow non-profits, we can better respond to the needs of our community. Catholic Charities is a resource for people across the Diocese, and we're humbled to be able to continue our work in the face of this crisis."

The regional COVID-19 Response Fund gives one-time grants to local nonprofits working with low-income communities and families disproportionately affected financially by the virus.

Eileen Spath, marketing & communications manager for Catholic Charities, said the grant will “provide food and household supplies through our food pantries, shelters, SRO facilities, and various community residences. Additionally, grant funds would be used at our numerous Emergency Assistance community-based sites to provide individuals and families with help with bills such as rent, utilities, co-pays, etc.

“These Emergency Assistance programs provide one-time assistance to our neighbors who need some help to make ends meet. With this $35,000 grant, Catholic Charities will be earmarking specific sites within our system where we are experiencing a strain on resources. We will be able to recognize areas within our Diocese seeing increased need, and adapt our service model in order to best meet those needs.”

Along with Catholic Charities, 14 other organizations were awarded grants including: Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady; Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area; CAPTAIN Community Human Services; Food Pantries of the Capital District; Franklin Community Center; IPH (Formerly Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless); Joseph’s House & Shelter; Mechanicville Area Community Services Center; St. Paul’s Center; The Saratoga Salvation Army; Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region; Troy Area United Ministries; Unity House of Troy; and YWCA of the Greater Capital Region.

Money will be disbursed on a rolling basis, going toward short-term community needs and long-term recovery efforts. All money raised by the fund is 100% pass through, going directly to area organizations on the frontlines. Donate online, by texting COVID19 to 41444, or by contacting the United Way’s Peter Gannon or the Community Foundation’s John Eberle.

The Fund represents a collaboration between the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, and 22 other philanthropies, government, and business organizations. Individual donations account for over $17,000.