$40k in local CCHD grants awarded
CHARLOTTE — Thanks to the generosity of parishioners across western North Carolina who contributed to the annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development, 11 agencies received a total of $40,602 in grants this fall to help people in need.
The annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development second collection each November funds CCHD, founded by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help break the cycle of poverty by funding organizations that help people help themselves.
The 2018 CCHD second collection will take place during Masses over the weekend of Nov. 17-18.
With its mission of improving education, housing situations and local economic development, the CCHD continues to make a positive impact in communities nationwide. Twenty-five percent of the funds from the collection are put to use in the Charlotte diocese.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte selected 11 non-profits to receive grants in 2018. These agencies will help people in Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Forest City, Gastonia, Harrisburg, Hendersonville, Murphy, Spindale and Swannanoa.
Two agencies in particular will assist veterans: Habitat for Humanity Rutherford County and its Hammering for Heroes Project, and YMCA Gaston County for its Resource Connection Gateway.
The Hammering for Heroes Project in Rutherford County received a $4,000 grant. Hammering for Heroes assisted in the repair of the homes of seven veterans this year. Volunteers performed tasks such as door and window replacement, ceiling and wall repair, interior painting, roof replacement, stair installation, gutter repair and cleaning, and yard work.
“Catholic Campaign for Human Development grant funding through Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte was vital to the success of Hammering for Heroes 2018. Without this generous funding, veteran repairs would not have been possible,” said Sheila Cain of Habitat for Humanity Rutherford County. “We are forever grateful for the support of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte for making these grant funds, and ultimately these repairs, possible!”
A $4,500 CCHD grant will enable YMCA Gaston County, through the Resource Connection Gateway, to expand its specialized veterans services. Veterans or active military personnel who enter the Gateway receive standard connection services and also one-on-one case management from a retired, peer-certified specialist.
The grant will fund a joint Resource Connection Gateway initiative between the YMCA and St. Michael Church in Gastonia, with Deacon John Weisenhorn serving as the parish’s contact.
“We find that the needs of those inquiring of the Gateway involving veterans are often even more complicated than those of civilians,” said the YMCA’s Cynthia Walsh.
“The goal of this project is to have a certified specialist on hand at all times, in addition to our usual support team, to support these individuals and their families. The funds awarded to us by Catholic Charities supplement the services of these specialists when the needs arise.”
The Resource Connection Gateway has served 131 veterans and their families over the past 12 months.
All CCHD-funded grant projects must target the root causes of poverty and related social concerns. All grant applicants and projects are reviewed for their conformity to Catholic social doctrine and receive a local parish endorsement.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter