Program areas at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque
The primary mission of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa (Catholic Charities) is to strengthen families, reduce poverty and empower communities by responding to changing social needs to provide help and create hope for the most vulnerable populations. Support for Catholic Charities comes from charitable contributions, program fees and grants.Poverty Reduction ServicesCatholic Charities provides both economic and humanitarian efforts that are intended to permanently lift people out of poverty. Statement continued on Schedule O.Over one million dollars has been provided in direct financial assistance since the start of the pandemic, helping families avoid homelessness and pay medical bills. 97% of families assisted with rent maintained stable housing after 90-days.Immigration Legal Services Catholic Charities' immigration attorneys provide affordable legal services to help reunite families by assisting them in navigating the immigration system and advocating on their behalf. Catholic Charities assists with paperwork for green card and citizenship applications, family and visitor visas, deferred action for childhood arrivals, temporary protected status, violence against women act, and other family-based immigration legal services. In 2022, our immigration attorneys provided 741 free immigration legal consultations, a substantial increase from 580 in FY 20-21. Demand for immigration legal services increased by 43%. Mental Health Counseling Services Inspired by the belief that marriage and families are at the core of our social structure, Catholic Charities provides professional counseling for marriages, families, and individuals experiencing various social, emotional, and interpersonal struggles. The option to use insurance, or pay on a sliding fee scale, makes counseling attainable for anyone who is truly in need. All Catholic Charities' counselors are masters-level, licensed professionals, and services are available to anyone regardless of religious, social, or economic background. In 2022, the total number of counseling sessions increased from 4,483 in FY 20-21 to 4,735 in FY 21-22, which includes telehealth sessions. 60% of our clients would be without mental health services without the financial assistance of Catholic Charities.In 2022, Catholic Services served 15,731 individuals across 30 counties in Northeast Iowa. Our volunteers provided over 8,000 hours of volunteer service at a value of over $239,600.Jail & Prison Ministry Catholic Charities coordinates volunteer-based outreach for imprisoned and recently released individuals to support them in successful re-entry into society. 359 formerly incarcerated individuals received support for successful reentry into the community, an increase from 173 in FY 20-21 and 80% of clients were employed with stable housing 1 year after release from jail or prison.Disaster Services Catholic Charities works as a liaison to identify local and national resources to assist communities during times of disaster.Post Adoption Search Services Allows any adult member of an adoption, previously facilitated by Catholic Charities, to gain knowledge about the other parties such as non-identifying medical information, contact information, and knowledge of other siblings. In cases where members of an adoption group mutually agree to be reunited, Catholic Charities' staff provides counseling to assist the individuals in emotionally preparing themselves and evaluating readiness for the event.
Ecumenical Tower is a division of Ecumenical Housing, Incorporated. Ecumenical Tower consists of an 88-unit, multi-family housing project. Substantially all of Ecumenical Tower's income is derived from the rental of its apartment and efficiency units. Ecumenical Tower has entered into housing assistance payment contracts with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on behalf of qualified tenants. Ecumenical Tower provides affordable housing and access to needed services for over 105 seniors and disabled adults who paid 30% of their income for rent plus utilities. Individuals were also provided access to health, nutrition, social, recreational, and educational services. The Organization also provided advocacy and case management for all tenants who were without support systems.Kennedy Park West is a division of Ecumenical Housing, Incorporated. Kennedy Park West consists of a 73-unit, multi-family housing project. Substantially all of Kennedy Part West's income is derived from the rental of its apartment units. Kennedy Park West provides below market housing for families, seniors, and disabled adults. The Organization provides housing at Kennedy Park West for persons in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. Some units receive HUD rental assistance through the City of Dubuque Section 8 Program.
Affordable HousingAffordable housing is a basic life necessity that Catholic Charities is committed to supporting. Catholic Charities Housing offers safe and affordable accommodations for low-income families, elderly and adults with disabilities. Rent for each of our properties is determined based on the renter's income. Catholic Charities owns and manages properties in Dubuque, Maquoketa and Waterloo with a total of 208 units among our five locations.Statement continued on Schedule O.Carter Plaza also located in Dubuque's west end, offers eight, family-friendly, low-income units.Alabar Plaza is a 12-unit, low-income property in Waterloo, close to schools, parks and shopping.Heartland East is a 28-unit affordable housing complex in Maquoketa, Iowa.Catholic Charities maintains affordable housing rates at approximately 30% of a person's income.