Lori has been a customer of Catholic Charities Emergency Services since 2018.

In times of need, Lori has shopped for clothing, receiving help with “scrubs” for her work; received food from the food shelf; and she has been helped financially with fuel cards.


Since January 2023, Lori has been experiencing homelessness, and gas cards from Emergency Services Financial Assistance kept her warm all winter inside her vehicle. She also was coached on how to successfully search for an apartment. When Lori found an apartment, she received an apartment application fee. She had a job lined up but couldn’t leave her dog in the car while she worked. (Remember how bitterly cold this winter was?)


Lori also made use of the “Multi-Pass” feature of the Catholic Charities Food Shelf so she would not go hungry. As soon as Lori found housing, she could go to work and start getting back on her feet. Each month she visited Financial Assistance and was given information about different resources that may be available to her. In May, Lori stopped by to let us know she was so grateful because she was now in an apartment, had started her job, and her dog was happy to be running around his new home!


In 2022, Catholic Charities Emergency Services Financial Assistance helped 4,967 people. These individuals received assistance in the form of gas vouchers, bus passes, prescription and medical co-pays, fees for birth certificates and state identification documents and apartment application fees.


Learn more about this program at ccstcloud.org/financial-services/financial-assistance


Our Recent News

By Brittany Hoversten August 13, 2025
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Join the PORCH Movement to Fight Hunger We’re excited to partner with PORCH Communities to boost food donations and support our local pantry. PORCH makes it easy for anyone to make a difference—whether you're a busy parent, a student, or a community leader. With just 3 hours a month , you can help stock shelves and feed families in need. The PORCH model is simple, effective, and designed to empower volunteers with all the tools and guidance needed to start a local chapter. Whether you rally your neighbors or bring a friend, your efforts will directly impact food insecurity in your community. 📅 Virtual interest meetings are happening now! Learn how to start a PORCH in your neighborhood: 👉 Register here High school students : Become a PORCH Student Ambassador and lead the charge against hunger in your neighborhood. You’ll gain leadership experience while building a sustainable hunger relief program. #neighborshelpingneighbors #fighthunger #foodinsecurity
By Brittany Hoversten August 13, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.
By Brittany Hoversten August 11, 2025
Grow & Give: Share Your Harvest with Neighbors in Need If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.