Rent and Utility Assistance Fund is Depleted
Feb 25th, 11
The Bridging the Gap office of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington exists to provide emergency services to individuals in the Diocese. Currently, the funds to assist individuals with their rent and utility bills have been depleted. The cold winter placed an added strain on families this year and many more are contacting us for assistance. Without funds many individuals and families will be unable to stay in their homes or avoid having their heat or water turned off.
Catholic Charities calls on you to help us keep individuals in our Diocese in their homes with their utilities on. Please mail all donations to Catholic Charities at 1310 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508, indicating that the money is for rent and utility assistance. For more information you may call (859) 253-1993 and speak with Annie Ormsbee. Donations are also accepted through our website.
The emergency services provided by the Bridging the Gap Program include financial assistance with rent and utility bills, food referrals to God’s Pantry in Lexington, and allocation of toiletry items. Funding for financial assistance comes through a combination of government grant monies and donations to the agency. We also have restricted monies through five Parish partners in Fayette County (St. Paul, St. Peter Claver, Pax Christi, St. Peter, and Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary) and three conferences of St. Vincent DePaul (Cathedral of Christ the King, St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton, and Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary).
In order to receive services, one must set up an appointment by calling the assistance line at 859-253-1993. This line is normally open from 9-12 every Thursday morning but will be temporarily closed until funds are made available. In order to be eligible for financial assistance, at least one member of the household must receive a steady, reliable source of income. Additionally, the client's rent/mortgage cannot exceed 75% of the total monthly income of the household. Clients who qualify for financial assistance are eligible to apply once every 12 months.