A PLOW WOW!

Turns out it was the perfect day to dedicate and bless a plow truck.

After the first snowfall of the season, Catholic Charities CEO Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, blessed the organization's newest vehicle on Wednesday, Nov. 16, that will be used to plow out Catholic Charities' Housing properties with ease this winter, making life a whole lot easier for residents and staff.

“We commission this truck to the work of Catholic Charities,” Sister Betsy said during her blessing as the snow had turned to a light mist. “We ask gracious God for your protection for the drivers and the riders. We ask for an accident-free existence. We pray for a long and plowful life, making sidewalks and driveways safe on these snowy days. We ask too that you bless the work of Catholic Charities and our donors who partner with us to care for those who struggle in our communities. And we ask all this in your sweet and holy name.”

The vehicle was much needed to replace Charities’ old plow truck that broke down last year and was made possible by donations from Bette & Cring, Trustco Bank, PhRMA, Catholic Charities’ donors and other local community partners.

“Money, it’s always a question,” Sister Betsy said. “We reached out to some of our donors and people who are friends to us and said this is our need. Oftentimes when you express your needs, people are willing to help, so we try really hard to express the need that we have and to be able to let people do what they can.” 

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany currently operates over 21 properties across the Diocese, including affordable family apartments, single-room residences, supportive housing programs and a shelter for men. Over 800 people have been served through Catholic Charities Housing Office so far this year. The plow truck will support at least nine properties with snow removal and serve as a maintenance vehicle year-round.

“We are so grateful to our donors and community partners who made this possible,” said Sondra Young, executive director of Catholic Charities Housing Office. “Last year, our former plow truck became unusable, which left our staff scrambling to find ways to clear our properties of snow. I can’t understate how important this is to our residents, who are reliant on us to provide a clear and safe path out the door in the morning.”