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

Our Recent News

Family Volunteers Bring Hope to Our Community

By Brittany Hoversten • June 16, 2026
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!

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By Brittany Hoversten • May 26, 2026
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Kicking Hunger Together: Catholic Charities Joins the 17th Annual Open Your Heart Summer Challenge

By Brittany Hoversten • May 26, 2026
Every July, something powerful happens across Minnesota. Communities come together, neighbors support neighbors, and food shelves receive a boost exactly when they need it most. This year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is once again proud to join the 17th Annual Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge—a statewide effort to strengthen food access during the summer months, when demand on food shelves rises. When school lets out for the summer, thousands of Minnesota children lose access to reliable meals. At the same time, donations to food shelves typically drop. This creates a seasonal gap that leaves many families struggling to put food on the table. The Summer Challenge helps bridge that gap. Through this initiative, participating food shelves—including Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf—receive a proportional matching grant based on the funds raised throughout July. That means every gift made this month goes even further, helping us serve more families across Central Minnesota. Last year, Minnesota food shelves reported more than 9 million visits, the highest number ever recorded. Rising food costs and ongoing economic instability continue to push families toward emergency food support at unprecedented levels. As one of the largest providers of emergency food assistance in Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities sees this need every day. In 2025 alone, 83 food shelves across the state participated in the Summer Challenge, raising $2.4 million to keep shelves stocked. Grants awarded ranged from $150 to $4,000, depending on each organization’s fundraising totals. This year’s theme—Kicking Hunger Together—aligns with the excitement of the World Cup, reminding us that teamwork, unity, and community spirit can make a real difference. Local Impact: How Your Support Helps Here in Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities Food Shelf continues to experience record demand. Participation in the Summer Challenge strengthens our ability to meet this need and ensures families have reliable access to nutritious food all summer long. Every donation helps us: - Keep shelves stocked with healthy, essential foods - Support families facing unexpected hardship - Ensure children have access to meals during summer break - Respond quickly to rising demand in our community Throughout July, your support has double the impact thanks to the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge. Whether you give online, host a food drive, or help spread the word, you’re part of a statewide team working to ensure no Minnesotan goes hungry. Make a gift now at https://wgv.to/catholic-charities-of-the-diocese-of-st-cloud