Thursday 28th March 2024

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An event to aid individuals and/or families in need of some financial help paying certain bills is set for this week in an area town.

A news release says Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph has received a $250,000 grant from the state of Missouri to provide housing and utility assistance to families in its diocese who are struggling to stay in their homes and keep their utilities connected.

The goal is to make this assistance available to families in all 27 counties of the diocese. This is open to everyone in need, as an individual or families do not need to belong to the Catholic Church to receive assistance.

Catholic Charities’ staff will be taking appointments for individuals or families requesting assistance on Thursday, October 22, in the lower level conference and board room at the Carrollton Public Library.

Individuals or families in need are directed to contact Catholic Charities Welcome Center Administrative Assistant Aaron Seiwald at (816) 659-8259 or aseiwald@ccharities.com to set up their appointments for October 22, and also share any information they may need, as well as review eligibility. Advance appointments are preferred for privacy concerns.

How funds are distributed:
— Individuals or families seeking assistance will make appointments with Catholic Charities either online or by phone in advance of October 22;
— Diocese staff will meet with individuals and complete paperwork and arrange payments;
— They will need copies of bills, eviction notices and/or rent documents. Specific documentation will be identified as appointments are made, preferably in advance of the event;
— Funds will be sent directly to landlords, mortgage companies or utility companies;
— No funds may be distributed directly to individuals:
— This is important to avoid misunderstanding and disappointment among individuals being served; and
— They must give permission for Catholic Charities to contact their landlord/utility company directly and sent payment on their behalf.

This opportunity is available to those who live within the Catholic Charities’ county coverage area (27 counties in MO) and are in need of assistance with either rent or utilities. Required documents for processing assistance include:
— 1) Verification of Income for whole household;
— 2) Photo ID;
— 3) Social Security cards for every family member in the household;
— 4) Proof of residency;
— 5) If needing utilities’ assistance- will need a copy of current bill;
— 6) If needing rental assistance- will need all three items listed:
— a) Copy of current lease;
— b) Letter from landlord with the amount owed; and
— c) Validate phone number for landlord Please note individuals receiving assistance will be asked to sign a Release of Information for processing payment.