Utility Assistance, Homeless Outreach, and Pandemic Challenges

Host Jack Socha welcomes back Roberto Partarrieu, executive director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of La Crosse, to discuss increased demand for help as overdue utility bills lead to power shutoffs amid the pandemic. Partarrieu explains the St. Lawrence program’s financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other needs, along with budgeting education; last year Catholic Charities provided over $320,000 in direct aid to more than 2,000 families, funded by donations from over 7,000 donors. They also help prevent homelessness, expand access through parish-based technology, and distribute free LED bulbs donated by Focus On Energy to lower energy costs. The episode covers shelter operations and vaccinations for homeless clients, adoption work, concerns about immigration and trafficking at the border, global pandemic instability, and a call to support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and pray for guidance.

00:00 Show Intro

00:43 Power Shutoffs Surge

02:25 Small Business Ripple

04:49 Help Is Available

06:39 Budgeting Not Bailouts

08:26 Donors Make It Possible

09:32 Giving Back Stories

12:38 Rural Need And Access

13:31 Parish Tech Pilot

14:54 Free LED Bulbs Program

18:01 Act Before Disconnects

18:55 World Meeting Prayer

20:50 Shelters Reopening

23:54 Young Homeless Reality

25:51 Addiction And Outreach

27:38 Hope Through Success

29:05 Faith In Action

30:12 Mercy Not Judgment

32:36 Adoption And Border

33:28 Broken Immigration System

40:12 Pandemic Global Fallout

41:32 Latin America Lockdowns

45:46 Humility And Forgiveness

50:55 How To Get Help

52:23 Prayerful Sendoff

54:17 Sealed With A Kiss