A gift to Catholic Charities from a landlord

As an agency known for assisting with rent and housing, Catholic Charities has received thousands of phone calls and requests related to rental assistance from tenants and landlords alike from all six counties of Southern New Jersey.

Throughout the pandemic as thousands of people have lost their jobs and face financial hardships and crises, many have worried — some for the first time in their lives — how they’ll be able to keep a roof over their heads.  Tenants worry about how they will pay their rent; landlords wonder if and when they’ll receive rental payments when moratoriums are lifted. As a result, it’s not uncommon to hear of the awkward, strained and sometimes hostile relationships between tenants and landlords.

But one card from a landlord in Salem County was given to Catholic Charities staff around Christmas time. Below, the note is transcribed (with names omitted for privacy):

“Dear (case manager) and Catholic Charities,

I just wanted to thank you both and Catholic Charities for helping my tenant, [name], with her rent this month. She is a wonderful person and she is a hard worker. She is also a single mother with a lot of responsibilities. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has made for even more challenges this year.

I know that Catholic Charities has helped her in the past as well when a close relative of hers was tragically killed in a car accident. 

I am a small landlord and the duplex at [address] is the only property I own.  While it may seem like a small investment for some it was a very large investment for me. This is also a town that is struggling. When I bought the little duplex many people told me ‘don’t do it, it’s a bad area.’ But I have found that there is a lot here in this small town and my tenants are both great.

People don’t always realize that we live in a connected society and that if properties foreclose in [town], small investors also get hurt. Then banks don’t get paid. Then people don’t invest. Then more properties get boarded up. And finally, other so called better off neighborhoods begin to struggle.

That is why Catholic Charities is so important. Your organization helps so many people without fanfare or seeking publicity or credit.

You don’t have to be Catholic to love Catholic Charities! Please accept this small donation in [tenant’s] name.  Someday I hope to be able to donate much more.

Thanks and Merry Christmas.”

Enclosed in the envelope was a check for $100.

Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, reflected on the note: “The letter writer has written a profound meditation on the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, with a particular focus on the common good. Moreover, it is a succinct statement of Catholic Charities’ mission and vision. It is a profoundly moving letter reflecting a beautiful soul and someone who clearly has reflected on their faith.”