There to Help in Times of Crisis

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson, operates over 70 programs for people in need. These programs include services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the largest nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center in the country (Straight and Narrow), help for veterans, support for seniors, guidance for children of all ages, 3 food pantries and much more.

We are also there to help quickly in times of crisis.

“Throughout the last 2 months we have responded to numerous ongoing crisis'. We have done so efficiently; immediately; and as always, while promoting dignity, love and respect for all. We are able to help our communities thanks to the diligent work of our staff and volunteers and the partnership of many other nonprofit and service organizations. We are blessed to do the work that we do and are happy to assist the community during times of great need,” said Scott Milliken Catholic Charities, CEO.

Helping Afghanistan Refugees and Providing Support for Veterans
Afghan refugees are being housed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, the large majority of whom are women and children. 9,000 refugees are there right now. The Joint Base is playing a critical role in this humanitarian crisis by meeting the basic needs of temporary housing, food, medical care and resettlement assistance, but have been lacking with volunteers. Catholic Charities has an extensive Veterans network and since the start of this crisis they have been sending volunteers to the base to provide support.  

As this humanitarian crisis continues to evolve, the organization has pledged to be there to assist with legal representation for immigration assistance and support where possible.

Katryna Novelozo is a veteran who was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan as a Corporal from December 2009-March 2010, Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Detachment A, to support 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment during The Battle of Marjah. She proudly volunteered with Catholic Charities to help Afghan refugees.

“Throughout the day, I was in the area with the Afghan children. There are so many of them and various ages. They have so much energy and love every opportunity to interact and play. They are all getting aquatinted with their new environment and how we interact with one another. As for me, I’m beyond words…speechless. I was in so much pain and grief this last week. Something about this opportunity helped me. Seeing eye to eye- the innocence and life that our brothers and sisters-in-arms physically helped, and seeing how there is so much effort and good people helping in making sure they are safe, allowed me find resolve within myself.  There are thousands more refugees that will be processed into this base. There are some volunteers. They’ll need help for weeks to come, exact timing is unknown at this point. I’m so grateful for our troops that risked their lives to bring them here… the land of the free,” Katryna said.

“Catholic Charities is proud to help veterans who has given so much to our country. We reached out to our veteran’s community to help with the Afghanistan refugee crisis and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Over the past several weeks our organization has also helped a great number of veterans who are struggling.  On Friday, October 29th we will be hosting a workshop along with the County of Passaic at the Passaic County Community College: Crisis to Wholeness: Navigating Your Network of Support, to provide information and resources for veterans and their families. We will continue to be there, as we always are, for veterans in need,” said David Pearson, Assistant Director of Veterans Services for Catholic Charities.

Paterson Water Shortage
Through COVID-19, Catholic Charities has been helping more people than ever before in their 80-year history, most notably at their food pantries.  Prior to COVID-19, in a typical month, their pantries would assist up to 5,000 people who happen to be food insecure. During COVID-19 this number has skyrocketed to over 20,000 children, women and men each month.

The entire City of Paterson has been under boil water advisory, due to the impact of Hurricane Ida for over a month. Those who are in need of food, now need drinking water. During this time, Catholic Charities has given out over 7,000 cases of water due to the generosity of others.

“Parishes, individuals and service groups have been so generous to us, throughout COVID and now, in the wake of Hurricane Ida. Everything we give out at our food pantries is thanks to donations. We are truly blessed,” said Carlos Roldan, Catholic Charities Food Pantry Director.

"I first started coming to the Fr. English Center during COVID-19 and they have always been so respectful," said John. "I had lost my job and have little food to eat. To also help during this time with water is a true blessing from God."

Tropical Storm Ida
Tropical Storm Ida swept through New Jersey on Wednesday, September 1st and Catholic Charities has been there to help those who are displaced.

The organization has helped over 100 families with emergency shelter, food, clothing, and with gift cards to replace items that have been destroyed.
"Ida victims continue to come forward.  These numbers have recently doubled. Many of these families are in need of hotel sheltering. In addition, families able to return, have lost many personal belongings. Catholic Charities has been there to fill in the gaps with support in our usual dignified manner" said Ariel Alonso, Catholic Charities Director of Community Emergency Response Programs.

“With over 70 programs, we are proud to provide a full continuum of support. When our communities are in crisis we also pivot our services to meet whatever the needs are, and can only do so thanks to the help from volunteers, donors and the community partners. It takes a village, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by so many good people each day,” said Chris Brancato Catholic Charities’ Development Director.

To learn more about Catholic Charities, get help or to donate please visit www.ccpaterson.org or email [email protected].