Financial & Housing Counseling: Lisa's Story

February 1, 2024

Financial & Housing Counseling Help Lisa Pay Off Debt

The Financial and Housing Counseling Program staff met Lisa while presenting a Senior Fraud and Scams training for Foster Grandparents. She asked for a business card and a few days later she called to schedule a Financial and Housing Counseling appointment.  This program strives to meet people where they are at, so a Catholic Charities staff member met over the phone due to Lisa's lack of transportation.


Lisa’s biggest concerns were getting a better handle on her bills and paying off her debts, of which she owed about $6600.  At her first appointment, Lisa and her counselor created a budget with action steps, laying the foundation to help Lisa get out of debt. Due to Lisa’s fixed income and the rise in rental costs, she pays over 40% of her income for rent. 


Lisa diligently completed all of her action plans, including tracking her spending which would give her a realistic picture on how much she was spending each month. Nine months later Lisa still tracks her spending.


In September, Lisa called and shared that one of her debts was paid off.  She was so excited, and we were grateful to be able to celebrate that success with her. Since April she’s paid off over $2800 in debt and built up her savings account. Lisa’s budgeting, expense tracking, goal setting, savings and renters rebate all helped her get that debt lowered. Lisa shared that she was proud of the work she has done and that Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling staff were 'considerate, compassionate and very helpful."


Learn more about our Financial and Housing Counseling services here.


Our Recent News

More than Just a Meal

By Brittany Hoversten • December 9, 2025
Our Senior Dining programs offer more than just a meal – they provide a nurturing environment that fosters friendships, healing, and a sense of belonging. Roberta, a Senior Dining Coordinator for 15 years, has witnessed the powerful impact of our services at the Grasston and Mora locations. Among the many events that have touched her heart, one couple’s journey stands out as a beautiful testament to the healing power of community. A woman who had recently suffered a stroke, faced significant challenges. Most of her right side, including her vision, was affected, and she was determined to regain her independence. After her therapy sessions, she and her husband would come to Senior Dining, where they found not only a meal but a circle of support and care. Every visit, a group of women diners would greet them with warm smiles, helping with her jacket and guiding the couple to their table. These kind-hearted women went beyond mere kindness – they helped the woman with her meal and made sure she was comfortable and well-cared for throughout the dining experience. Over time, the woman’s strength and independence began to improve. The therapy sessions, combined with the unwavering support of her new friends at Senior Dining, made a significant difference in her recovery. The bonds formed in that dining hall grew stronger, evolving into genuine friendships that transcended just shared meals. What had started as a place for nourishment soon became a sanctuary of laughter, conversation, and companionship. It was clear that the true nourishment was not just the food – it was the emotional and social support the diners received, creating an atmosphere that was as healing as it was comforting. The couple still maintains their deep friendships with the group of women they met at Senior Dining. Even in their 80s and 90s, they continue to get together three or four times a year, reminiscing about the meals that sustained them, the friendships that uplifted them, and the kindness that made all the difference. For Roberta, this story is a reminder of the true essence of her work. It’s not just about coordinating meals – it’s about creating a community where people care for one another, lifting each other up in times of need. 

Catholic Charities Barnes & Noble Bookfair – December 12, 2025

By Brittany Hoversten • December 8, 2025
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting a great cause! Catholic Charities is partnering with Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud for a Bookfair on Thursday, December 12, 2025 . A percentage of your purchase will benefit Catholic Charities’ programs—just mention you're shopping to support Catholic Charities at checkout! Shop in-store or online: In-store: Visit Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud on December 12 and let the cashier know you're supporting Catholic Charities. Online: Shop at https://www.bn.com/bookfairs from December 12–16, 2025 and enter Bookfair ID 12695763 at checkout. How to apply the Bookfair ID online: Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page. Click the plus sign next to “Add Bookfair ID.” Enter 12695763 and click Apply . Everything counts! Books, DVDs, music, vinyl, toys & games, and even Café purchases (except Starbucks-operated locations). Stock up for the holidays and help support Catholic Charities’ vital services in our community. Note: Gift cards, memberships, textbooks, video games, digital content (eBooks), and purchases at Starbucks-owned Cafés are excluded from Bookfair totals. Institutional discounts may not be applied.

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By Brittany Hoversten • November 12, 2025
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