Weathering the Storms of Life
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen
It was called the storm of the century. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy came barreling through the tri-state area
with a vengeance leaving in its wake a path of destruction with fallen trees, downed power lines, unprecedented flooding, and
thousands of people displaced from their homes. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, mobilized immediately and was
first on the scene effectively coordinating the disaster relief effort by moving hospital patients to safer locations and setting
up emergency shelters and distribution centers for those who, in an instant, had lost everything.
For a social service agency that usually operates quietly behind the scenes, it was one of those rare occasions when
Catholic Charities was brought into the spotlight. Media commentators acknowledged Catholic Charities’ super relief effort in
response to the super storm and continue to praise the ongoing support being provided to the victims long after the flood
waters have receded.
A Note
From a Disaster Relief Client
But hurricanes are not the only storms that come into people’s
lives. The loss of a job, prolonged illness, emotional stress and addiction
can be just as destructive. These are some of the issues Catholic Charities
addresses on a daily basis, even when the media is nowhere in sight.
There are more than 20 Housing and Social Justice Programs that
assist individuals and families who are hungry, need shelter, or lack the
financial resources to meet their basic needs. These programs provide
short-term assistance that lead to self-sufficiency and an improved quality
of life.
We would like to sincerely thank Catholic
Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, for your
generous gift in our time of need. The
money will be put to good use for
appliances and clothing which we lost
during “Sandy.” Our home is still
uninhabitable and we are looking to rent
one near Sayreville while we stay with
relatives. Thank you again from the
bottom of our hearts. We will never forget
your kindness.
The Ozanam Family Shelter in Edison provides emergency refuge
for 16 single women and 26 families. The Ozanam Inn, located in New Brunswick, which serves homeless men of Middlesex
County, has 14 emergency shelter beds and 16 transitional housing beds. While living in the shelter, program residents work
with case managers to improve their earning capacity and obtain permanent housing. In addition to employment and housing
workshops, case managers provide one-on-one counseling services and personalized budget plans.
“During my first few weeks at the shelter, I was very stressed out,” said K.C., an Ozanam Shelter client. “But in a way,
I think God was giving me a second chance. Now I’m taking online college courses and looking for a job.”
Ivan is a husband and father of two boys. “My life wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either,” he said. “I’m a hard worker
and always try to do my best, but times were very hard for me and my family. It came to a point where we didn’t have a place
to sleep. Ozanam Family Shelter opened its door to me and my family. The shelter is giving us an opportunity by helping us to
set our goals straight so we won’t end up here again.”
Jacqueline Jones-Blake is the Program Director of Housing and Homeless Prevention for Catholic Charities. “I’d like
people to know that the shelters are safe,” she said. “The staff is always courteous, and we are here to help anyone in need.”
That same message resonates from all of Catholic Charities’ eight service areas and over 113 programs across the four
counties of the Diocese of Metuchen. Whether it is a natural disaster affecting the entire community or a private, personal
struggle, Catholic Charities is here to help anyone in need.