Spring News
Providing Help. Creating Hope. Serving All.
Covid-19 Impact Report
Life has been difficult due to COVID, but for those on the verge of being evicted, it creates a whirlwind of large-scale financial and emotional consequences for families! With more people renting than ever before, rents are increasing exponentially to match the demand. In an already tight rental market, low-income renters are being priced out of places they could previously afford. Most families living at or below the poverty line spend at least half of their income on housing. The economic impacts of evictions are huge and have a ripple effect.

Who is getting evicted? – Families who have moved down the housing ladder; black, brown, Asian families are disproportionately affected. They are more likely to be renting, 3x more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19, and more likely to have lost jobs during the pandemic. Not only does income/wage affect the chances of being homeless but also ethnicity.

Catholic Charities believes that keeping a roof over one’s head is critical for financial, physical, and mental health for adults and children. Catholic Charities has seen a 100% increase in families seeking assistance in evictions/housing issues. Since March 2020 to April 2021, we have helped 4,742 individuals with their rent, mortgage, and/or utility payments. In April 2021 alone, we distributed $76,978 in financial assistance.

On behalf of those we helped to stay in their home, thank you for your support!
Catholic Charities USA Names Volunteer of the Year Finalists
Catholic Charities USA recently narrowed down 36 nominees for Volunteer of the Year, naming Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Volunteer, Tim Gunderman as 1 of 6 finalists.

Through countless volunteer activities spanning decades, Tim has improved the lives of thousands of people in need. Throughout his professional career, spiritual life, and while volunteering with Catholic Charities, Tim has stood out
for his selfless commitment to serving the impoverished, marginalized in his community. 

Tim has put his faith into action, rolling up his sleeves and helping where needed. He can be found on the front lines of food distribution efforts, volunteering overnight at a men’s homeless shelter, or figuring out how to resolve a complicated refugee issue to reunite a family in the U.S.

After retiring to Southwest Florida, Tim immediately sought out ways he could make a difference; he turned out to be the perfect fit for CCDOV’s Disaster Recovery program. The program has been helping migrant and farmworker communities recover from Hurricane Irma by repairing damaged homes, particularly mobile and trailer homes. Some of these homeowners were not eligible for federal funds because of their immigration status. Tim offered his services as a volunteer construction manager. He went out to affected communities, assessed damages, and made written cost estimates for repairs. He found licensed, insured contractors and supervised repairs, making sure permits were obtained and work was completed in a safe manner and met all building codes. For the last two years, Mr. Gunderman has been volunteering about 30 hours per week with the program. His expertise and dedication have ensured not only the program’s success but has allowed more program funds to go directly to the cost of home repairs.

Tim inspires other people to give of their time, talent, and treasure in helping the most vulnerable in our diocese. He'll travel wherever the need is bringing food, water, clothing, baby supplies, and so much more. But what Tim truly brings though is hope to the people by caring for the people. He loves to be with people and share his experience of how God has put him where he needs to be.  

Click Here to Learn More about Tim's work with Catholic Charities!

Thank You Tim for all you do and congratulations on being a Finalist for Volunteer of the year!
Give The Gift Of A Mother's Love
Honor your mother, daughter, sister, friend,
or someone who has been like a mother to you with a gift that will help homeless mothers
and their children.

Our Mother's House of Catholic Charities provides a safe environment for residents to achieve self-sufficiency through education, vocational training, and personal growth.

A mother's love can change the world...
You can help a needy mother succeed!
Easter Season Blessings
This Easter Season, families were blessed with food, Easter baskets, and household supplies, making Easter Sunday even more special.

Catholic Charities locations collected food, household supplies, bed linens, and Easter baskets that were distributed to families in Arcadia, Fort Myers, Clewiston, Bonita Springs, and Naples just before Easter Sunday.

The pandemic has had a detrimental effect on many families. The donations collected helped families in need celebrate with a nice meal and treats for their children.

Lent is a time of reflection, it is a time to imitate Christ’s sacrifice and to give to others. We are so grateful for those who donated their time, money, and goods to make this Easter extra special for so many families in our community.
Power Pack Program Support
The Naples Woman's Club has generously granted The Judy Sullivan Center of Catholic Charities funds to support the Weekend Power Pack Food Program to provide weekend food to children in Collier County.

The Weekend Power Pack Program prevents childhood hunger in Collier County by providing food to elementary students to sustain them through the weekend when school meals are not available.

The kids received breakfast, lunch, snacks, fruit, and dinner. Volunteers put together the power packs each week for distribution to children in need. We include items such as mac-n-cheese, ravioli, fruit cups, crackers, and oatmeal.

A HUGE Thank you to the Naples Woman's Club for their amazing support.

For more information about Catholic Charities Power Pack Program, Contact Allegra Belliard
Boots and Bandanas: Desoto County Needs Your Support
$50,000 MATCH GIFT OFFERED! HELP US REACH $100K!
Our annual BOOTS AND BANDANAS fundraiser was postponed this year due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, but this is not our first rodeo, and with your help, it will not be our last!

The city of Arcadia is known for its citrus, its rodeo, and its hardworking citizens; however,
the community faces many challenges. Nearly 40% of children in Arcadia are living below the
poverty level, oftentimes with very little to eat.

Living at the poverty level often correlates with poor educational outcomes, and that is the
case in DeSoto County where only 71% of high school students graduate. Catholic Charities
San Juan Bosco housing community offers educational and recreational activities for both
children and adults designed to improve graduation rates and empower the population we
serve. Catholic Charities works with students after school and throughout the summer,
ensuring that they receive the educational help and support they deserve.

Catholic Charities also provides affordable housing to vulnerable populations such as migrant
workers and their families. In addition to housing, Catholic Charities provides support
services such as access to healthy, nutritional food, clothing, immigration assistance, and
empowerment opportunities.

For over 26 years, Catholic Charities has served DeSoto County by providing an important
safety net for vulnerable populations. Now more than ever, the vitality of this region and its
citizens is dependent upon your support.

A generous donor has pledged a $50,000 match gift to this year’s campaign. Your donation
will be matched, dollar for dollar, ensuring that the tears of despair turn into tears of joy!

$5,000 will provide a notebook computer to 15 families to help enhance access to educational resources.
$2,500 helps maintain 10 senior villas for a year.
$1,000 provides 20 hours of professional family counseling.
$500 provides English classes to 15 people a month.
$100 provides food and household items to 5 families a week.

Together, we can build a stronger community.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice | Website