Caring Foundation sees more grant applications than ever

Some families and communities that were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a cost-of-living crisis and increased job losses, have never fully recovered financially.

The Foundation has seen this reflected in the number of applications from social service agencies and communities seeking funding from this year’s grants round.

Homelessness is on the rise, foodbanks are under extreme pressure and social service agencies that provide wrap-around care are stretched to capacity. During winter, this need intensifies as people have to make tough choices on what to go without.

For many families and people in the greater Auckland area and Te Tai Tokerau, the cuts are typically around heating and food. Meeting the cost of rent leaves many with little money for food and heating, as well as any other household bills. For families under extreme financial pressure, doctor visits are missed and health for the family suffers. This has an enduring and devastating effect on children.

The Foundation works with many agencies through the Diocese of Auckland that are carrying extreme workloads to provide the right care and support at the right time for families and people in need. But the need is growing and, for many families, a financial crisis is only one pay day away.

The Caring Foundation is seeking support for its annual appeal, saying the needed is greater than ever. Visit www.caringfoundation.org.nz for more information.

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NZ Catholic Issue 4 (NZ Catholic/Catholic Diocese of Auckland)

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