~Bringing Poverty Assistance Programs Directly to Community~
(Reno, Nev.) – Today Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new satellite location in Sun Valley. As most people’s introduction to Catholic Charities is through the food pantry program, bringing the poverty assistance programs directly to an area of need will connect individuals and families who may be food insecure, unable to leave their homes for services or who are in need of other resources in their neighborhood. Located at Saint Peter’s Canisius Church, a mobile unit will serve as a satellite office for the food pantry location as well as other services.
Funding for the mobile unit was generously donated by Adam and Jaime Laxalt. Adam Laxalt serves on the Catholic Charities board of directors.
“Catholic Charities recognizes the need for bringing services to a community meeting our clients where they are, and today is an exciting day for our organization,” said Marie Baxter, CEO, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. “As access can be a barrier for someone seeking services, the satellite location can address needs beyond food insecurity removing the barrier and improving quality of life.”
Initially, the CCNN satellite location will be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 1-4 pm for pantry/food distribution. Fresh produce, dairy, meats, and shelf stable items will be provided to the more than 400 households already accessing the services. One of the most impactful services CCNN provides is having a case manager to conduct interviews. A case manager will be on-site to do referrals for some of the more essential programs such as: Resource Hub, Senior Services/Benefits Enrollment, Thriving Families and Immigration. As more interest in specific programs is identified, consultations or meetings will be scheduled to assist the community members with their specific needs.
According to the U.S. Census, there are nearly 20,000 people living in Sun Valley, almost 2,500 of them are living in poverty. According to Feeding America, the 2020 projected overall food insecurity rate for the 13 counties that make up northern Nevada is at 15.3 percent.
“Through our case manager interviews, we can help raise people out of poverty by addressing issues such as rental/utility assistance, benefits enrollments, immigration services and other critical resources that lead to vulnerability and homelessness, said Marie Baxter, CEO, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. “The satellite location will allow our clients to meet directly with our staff to address their needs.”
For more information, please visit the website at www.ccsnn.org
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