Helping Veterans Fight New Battles

Veterans truly understand the concept of sacrifice. Men and women who serve in our military have laid everything on the line for others. However, when they return to civilian life, they often face struggles and challenges that can spiral them into poverty. Disabilities, as well as emotional and psychological issues, account for some of this, but for the vast majority of veterans, the same life circumstances that entrap others actually ensnare them. Lack of decent housing, a job paying less than a living wage, unemployment, and so on, compels veterans living in these situations to start making a different kind of sacrifice. They go without food so their children can have dinner. They leave the heat off in the winter or the air conditioning off in the summer so they have money for life’s other necessities.

This is the story of most of our clients, but for veterans in particular, these sacrifices call for us to come to their aid. It’s a moral imperative that we should assist those who have served our country.

Studies have shown emergency assistance coupled with case management or other supports is the most effective way to help individuals out of poverty. In some cases, it can take a year or more of intermittent emergency support like food, rent, utilities, or transportation before a family stabilizes enough to take steps toward self-sufficiency.

Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to being there and providing these supports every day. This means we need to have skilled staff available to meet those in need, competent case managers who can help families set and meet goals, and knowledgeable employment specialists who can help prepare veterans to seek and maintain a living wage job. To achieve this, we need your help!

A recurring monthly donation allows Catholic Charities to plan for consistent, available services.

One hundred people giving $30 per month provides an employment specialist all year.

Fifty people giving $25 per month provides utility assistance to 60 veteran families over the course of a year, keeping the heat and the lights on.

As always, thank you for supporting the work done by the Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph staff. Please consider making your donation as a monthly gift. Click here to enroll, or contact Linda Hopkins, Donor Stewardship Specialist, at lhopkins@ccharities.com or 816-659-8205.