PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As thousands of people continue to struggle because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is launching a campaign to step in and help.
Archdiocesan officials said they’ve seen a huge spike in demand for assistance from the churches and relief programs, especially for food and housing.
On Monday, the archdiocese kicked off its annual Catholic Charities Appeal campaign, with the COVID-19 crisis taking center stage.
“The appeal serves hundreds of thousands of people through countless organizations and ministries throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia regardless of their faith,” said William Phelan, chair of the Catholic Charities Appeal board. “Hundreds of households receive food, rent and utility assistance, clothing and furniture, diapers, child care.”
Patrick Walsh, who runs Martha’s Choice Marketplace food pantry in Norristown, said he’s seen hundreds of new families show up in recent months.
“So many new families are now facing eviction and seeking help from us,” he said.
Walsh said the pantry has given out more than 1.4 million tons of food to 6,000 different households, and people keep on coming.
Archbishop Nelson Perez said the focus of this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal is helping those hurt in so many ways by the pandemic.
“By supporting the Catholic Charities Appeal, you are feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, supporting veterans,” the archbishop said. “You are helping desperate families get back on their feet.”
This year’s fundraising goal is $12.5 million.