Salina, Kan. — In this time of uncertainty for those impacted by the effects of the federal government shutdown, Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas is reminding the community that help is available. Whether families are affected by the suspension of SNAP (food stamp) benefits or missing paychecks due to the ongoing shutdown, Catholic Charities remains a trusted and steady resource of hope across the region.
Serving 31 counties across north central and northwest Kansas, Catholic Charities provides compassionate assistance to anyone in need, regardless of faith or background.
“Our doors are open, our shelves are stocked, and our hearts are ready to serve,” said Megan Robl, Executive Director. “We are here to do what we’ve always done, which is help people in need. We never know what the future holds, but we know we serve an amazing region filled with compassionate people who step up time and time again to help their neighbors. As needs change, we’re confident our communities will respond with generosity as they always do. We anticipate an increased need, and we’re ready to do what it takes to ease the burden for those who are struggling.”
Available Services
Catholic Charities offers a range of services to help income-eligible families meet basic needs, with eligibility based on income and current circumstances:
- Emergency financial assistance (designed to help bridge short-term gaps in rent, utilities and prescriptions)
- Food boxes
- Hygiene kits (including laundry detergent, dish soap, and personal care items)
- Diaper assistance
- Clothing vouchers
- Gas vouchers
Eligibility has been temporarily extended to include federal employees who are not currently receiving pay. To ensure support reaches those most affected, staff will work with each individual to verify loss of income through documentation such as a pay stub showing $0 pay or an agency letter noting furlough or non-pay status.
In addition to its offices in Salina, Hays, and Manhattan, Catholic Charities’ three outreach vans travel to 29 rural communities each month to ensure resources reach families where they are. The November outreach schedule is available at www.ccnks.org/outreach.
With the holidays approaching, Catholic Charities is enrolling families in its Christmas Assistance Program (Adopt-a-Family), which provides clothing, household items, and other essentials to families in need. More information is available at www.ccnks.org/christmas-assistance.
For those experiencing emotional stress, licensed counselors at Catholic Charities are available to provide low-cost or no-cost mental health support. The agency also offers HOPE, a free, confidential emotional support chatbot, available 24/7 at www.ccnks.org/chatwithhope.
Catholic Charities also operates thrift stores in Hays and Salina, which are open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from thrift sales support local assistance programs and help sustain ongoing services. www.ccnks.org/thriftstore
How to Help
Community members wishing to help are encouraged to donate food and hygiene items at any Catholic Charities office. A list of most-needed items can be found at www.ccnks.org/inkind.
All three offices are equipped with freezers and refrigerators, allowing the organization to accept and distribute fresh and frozen food donations. “If you have fresh food you’d like to share, we’ll make sure it reaches those who need it most,” Robl added.
Financial donations are always welcome, too. Donate online at www.ccnks.org/donate.
In uncertain times, Catholic Charities continues its mission of serving with compassion and hope. “Together,” Robl said, “we can ensure that no one faces hunger or hardship alone.”
For more information, visit www.ccnks.org or contact the nearest Catholic Charities office:
- Salina: 785-825-0208
- Hays: 785-625-2644
- Manhattan: 785-323-0644