(CSS/SNR) – Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) announced April 22 that $200,000 in COVID-19 relief is being distributed to help the poor and vulnerable in southern Nebraska, specifically to help those impacted by the pandemic needing help with rent, utilities, food and cash assistance.
“Jesus Christ Himself was born into poverty without a home, resources, or adequate shelter,” said Father Fulton, executive director of CSS.
“We know people need help staying in their apartments, keeping their electricity on, and keeping food on the table,” he said. “We are honored to help out with this $200,000 and hopeful the community might consider joining us to help out with more.”
Donations are welcome to help CSS continue to assist those in need with cash assistance for housing, utilities, car repairs and more, or for food and personal items. CSS offices in Imperial, Hastings and Lincoln have been taking emergency cash assistance calls.
CSS also provides diapers, baby formula, personal care items and more to walk-in clients at their outreach centers.
“We have been doing three times as much in terms of food distribution over the last month,” Father Fulton said. “And nearly everyone who is needing food is also in need of cash assistance. With unemployment and underemployment wreaking havoc in our state, people are looking to CSS for help. We will continue to help with emergency cash assistance as long as we have funds to give.”
Staff and volunteers at CSS prepare pre-packed food pantries in the Lincoln, Hastings and Auburn locations. Clients pick up the prepared pantries at the sites and CSS coordinates delivery options for elderly homebound individuals in Lincoln.
CSS also provides psychologists and mental health professionals statewide via telehealth for those dealing with anxiety, loneliness, depression and more at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center.
To make a monetary donation or to view services and hours at the outreach locations, visit www.cssisus.org or call Michelle Birkel at 402-327-6235.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska was founded in 1932. It is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all individuals regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska.
Services cover 24,000 square miles and touch the lives of nearly 30,000 people annually. In addition to food pantry and emergency services, Catholic Social Services provides disaster relief, refugee and immigration services, St. Gianna Women’s Homes (a program for women and their children escaping violence and domestic abuse), and a clinical/family counseling program which provides psychological services.
