Catholic Charities Office of Individual and Family Assistance

Empower Families this #iGiveCatholic to reduce homelessness!
This #iGiveCatholic, we invite you to join hands with Catholic Charities in support our Individual and Family Assistance (IFA) program. Our mission is to make a real impact on the lives of those facing housing challenges and struggling to make ends meet. With your generous support, we can provide crucial assistance in the form of RENTAL ASSISTANCE and UTILITIES SUPPORT, helping low to mid-level income families in need maintain stable homes and access to essential resources. 

The Challenge:
The IFA Program received an overwhelming 250 requests each month from families who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and the lights on in their homes. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, we can currently assist only around 38 families per month, and the average monthly support ranges from $350-400. The gap between demand and our ability to help is substantial, and this is where your support can make a world of a difference. 

Why Your Support Matters: 
Your donation can transform lives. It can provide a family with a safe, stable environment to thrive and break free from the cycle of poverty. By contributing to our #iGiveCatholic campaign, you help ensure that more families have a fighting chance to stay in their homes, keep the lights on, and maintain essential services like water and air conditioning.

Who We Are

The Office of Individual & Family Assistance provides financial assistance to low-moderate income families that are able to live independently by working one, two, or sometimes three minimum wage jobs but suffer immense stress when circumstances occur that are beyond their control. For example, financial crisis can begin when a car breaks down or illness prevents a person from going in to work; a cut in hours or a job lay off is experienced; there is a lose of income due to death of a spouse; home appliances break and need to be replaced, etc.

In addition to financial assistance, we strive to help families relieve the stress they feel in other ways by providing them with assistance in filing for Social Security Disability and free income tax preparation/e-filing during tax season. Our newest project "Bridging the Bayous Timebank" will allow families of any income to receive volunteer help for things they need done at home (minor home repair, yard work, etc.) or help in learning something new (bake bread, learn to garden, etc.)