Alexander & Sherise

April 23, 2025

A Journey of Hope and Resilience

At Catholic Charities, we believe in the power of new beginnings. From affordable housing to mental health services, our life-giving programs help our neighbors begin anew and find a brighter tomorrow. In 2024, we provided a helping hand and a fresh start to more than 47,000 people across Central Minnesota. People like Alexander and Sherise, whose story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community support.


Alexander and Sherise had always dreamed of a stable life, but a series of unfortunate events left them struggling to make ends meet. Alexander lost his job due to downsizing and Sherise's health took a turn for the worse, leading to big medical bills. With no income and their savings depleted, they were evicted and found themselves on the streets.


Desperation set in as they faced the harsh realities of homelessness. Sleepless nights and uncertain days became their new normal. They often went without food, and the constant stress took a toll on their spirits. But amidst the darkness, they found a beacon of light in Catholic Charities Emergency Services' three programs: Food Shelf, Financial Assistance, and Basic Everyday Essentials.


A New Beginning

The first glimmer of hope came from our Food Shelf, which provided them with the nourishment they desperately needed. They soon discovered additional services available, like the Financial Assistance program which provided free bus passes so Alexander and Sherise could search for jobs and attend interviews. Their perseverance paid off when Alexander secured a job. The bus passes continued to be their lifeline, ensuring he could get to work every day.


Your support has the power to transform lives like Alexander and Sherise’s. Donating to Catholic Charities today will help us provide critical support to the people who need it most in our community.


When Alexander and Sherise finally found an apartment that felt like home, Financial Assistance covered the application fee, removing another barrier to stable housing. Basic Everyday Essentials provided them with clothing and footwear, restoring their dignity and confidence.


Today, Alexander and Sherise are building a new life filled with hope and gratitude. Their story is a testament to the power of community support and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the many challenges they faced, they emerged with hope for a brighter future.


Join Us in Creating More New Beginnings

Your support makes stories like Alexander and Sherise's possible. With your generous donations, we can continue to provide essential services to those in need, helping them find their own new beginnings. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to our neighbors.


Please consider making a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create a brighter future for individuals and families in our community.

  • $25 provides 75 meals to struggling families, seniors and children.
  • $50 helps an individual secure bus passes so they have transportation to work or school.
  • $100 can provide essentials like dishes, towels, hygiene supplies and more to turn a place to stay into a home.


Donate Today

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In 2024, Rebecca and Daniel were facing a difficult reality: their home was in the foreclosure process. With Daniel recently diagnosed with a serious, terminal illness, Rebecca had become the primary financial provider while also caring for her husband and their disabled daughter. What began as a hopeful purchase of a home in 2022 quickly became a financial burden as life’s unexpected challenges took a heavy toll on their family. Overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward, Rebecca and Daniel turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program for help. After meeting with one of our experienced counselors, they gained a clear understanding of the foreclosure process in Minnesota, including available options and timelines. The first step was to assess their hardship and review their home’s affordability. Despite Rebecca’s best efforts to contact the mortgage company, the stress of managing multiple responsibilities made it difficult to complete the required paperwork. Our counselor worked directly with the mortgage company, helping Rebecca and Daniel fill out the necessary forms. As a result, they were offered a partial claim mortgage assistance program that allowed them to bring their mortgage current and stop the foreclosure. “I don’t have to worry about losing our home while dealing with Daniel’s healthcare needs,” Rebecca shared with relief. Our team also helped the family apply for energy assistance and connected them with additional social security resources, further supporting their financial recovery. Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, available since 1982, has no income limits and provides expert guidance to anyone looking for assistance. As a licensed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provider, we are committed to helping individuals make informed financial decisions and build a secure future. Rebecca’s heartfelt gratitude says it best: “Many thanks to you, Lois, for everything you do for us!! God Bless You!”

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By Jenna Pettit • July 7, 2025
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Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge

By Brittany Hoversten • July 1, 2025
Summer should be a time of fun and freedom — but for many families in Central Minnesota, it’s a time of deep uncertainty. Without school meal programs and with rising grocery prices, far too many of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf is once again participating in the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge — and we need your help! What Is the Summer Challenge? Every July, food shelves across Minnesota take part in the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge — a statewide fundraising effort where donations are matched through grant funding. That means every dollar you give to our food shelf during the month of July helps us qualify for a matching grant of up to $4,000. It’s a powerful way to double your impact and ensure we can continue meeting the growing need in our community. The Need Has Never Been Greater Food insecurity remains heartbreakingly common in our state. According to a 2024 statewide hunger study, 1 in 5 households in Minnesota are food insecure. Here at Catholic Charities, we’ve seen that need firsthand. Our food shelf has seen a dramatic rise in the number of shoppers — including many families who have never needed help before. The cost of food is higher than ever, and families are forced to make tough decisions between buying groceries and paying for rent, gas, or medications. What We’re Doing At Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, we offer more than just food — we offer choice, dignity, and hope. Our shoppers are able to select the food that fits their family’s dietary, cultural, and health needs. We provide a respectful, welcoming experience and access to nutritious foods, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy. In 2024, we distributed over 2.7 million pounds of food through our food shelf, mobile outreach, and emergency food bag programs — but we can’t do it alone. How You Can Help This July, your support means more than ever. Every donation made to our food shelf during the Summer Challenge will be matched through the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge, stretching your gift further to help feed families in Central Minnesota. ➡️ Donate Today: Click here to give now Thank you for being part of this mission of compassion and community. Want to learn more about our Food Shelf and other food programs? Visit ccstcloud.org/food-services To learn more about the statewide Summer Challenge, visit oyh.org/summer-challenge