Catholic Charities, sisters establish fund to prevent evictions

As thousands of families face eviction by the end of December, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and the Felician Sisters of North America joined forces to create the “CCUSA Francis Fund for Eviction Prevention.”  Each organization contributed $1 million to seed the emergency fund. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, will be receiving a portion of this funding, along with other Catholic Charities agencies across the U.S. that will assist in the distribution of the funds to those who are in extreme danger of losing their homes this month.

The announcement was made on Dece. 17.

Here in the Camden Diocese, Catholic Charities has seen a historic need among families suffering the burden of unemployment, food insecurity, and financial crises. While the agency has always worked with those who are homeless or facing homelessness, the pandemic has created a record-high number of requests from thousands more who, for the first time, are on the brink of homelessness. 

According to Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, “this emergency fund created by Catholic Charities USA and the Felician Sisters of North America is a wonderful example of Catholic solidarity, and the need for aid is crucial. We are grateful to be recipients of these funds, which will be used to help the thousands of families here in our diocese who are facing eviction or homelessness.”

Sister Christopher Moore, Provincial Minister of the Felician Sisters of North America, noted that during a time when so many are facing hardships in the wake of the pandemic, “it is unconscionable that they should also face the fear of losing their homes. Catholic Charities USA has the resources to quickly get funding to their agencies across the country and into the hands of those in need.”

Sister Donna Markham, OP, President and CEO of CCUSA, said. “Many people are living on the brink of homelessness and they are terrified. The Felician Sisters, founded in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and clearly walking in the footsteps of the saint, joined Catholic Charities to initiate this emergency fund at a moment when people are increasingly desperate.”