By Denise Seibert Townsend
Catholic Charities
A woman recently contacted Catholic Charities, struggling to pay her monthly bills. Since her husband’s death in 2025, she has attempted to make ends meet on a single income. Her situation was further compounded by an illness and hospitalization late last year that caused her to miss work, resulting in loss of income. Catholic Charities was able to assist with her utility bill, allowing her to use her remaining income for rent and other essentials. While she has a long journey ahead, this assistance also provided the breathing room necessary to begin a long-term plan for stability.
Another woman reached out to Catholic Charities while experiencing pregnancy complications. Placed on bed rest to ensure a healthy delivery, she was unable to work and lacked the resources to pay her rent. Catholic Charities provided financial assistance necessary to ensure she could remain in her home during this difficult period, allowing her to focus on her health and the health and well-being of her baby.
Stories like these are common. Many families live paycheck to paycheck, where a single crisis — like an unexpected death, a medical emergency or a car wreck — can push them into poverty. Poverty is more than a lack of money. It is a complex issue rooted in systemic barriers, economic instability and unexpected life events. A car wreck means a loss in transportation, which in turn can mean missed work, costly repairs or medical bills. Beyond the financial strain, the continuous stress of trying to make ends meet takes a significant emotional toll on well-being and decision-making.
At Catholic Charities, we see firsthand the struggles of those living in poverty. Through our services, we can provide hope to people in the midst of their trials. Our programs are designed to accompany those served by supporting them through the challenges they face, giving them the tools they need to thrive, and instilling hope and confidence. Catholic Charities offers a variety of services including mental health counseling, life skills training, immigration legal services and emergency financial assistance programs — all of which can provide lasting impact to those served.
January has been recognized as Poverty Awareness Month. Although the month is coming to a close, I encourage you to look for ways you can learn more on this topic, get inspired by how communities are responding and find ways you can support your neighbors who may be impacted by poverty. Remember poverty impacts people — people with goals, dreams and a potential to flourish when given the opportunity. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40, “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Denise Seibert Townsend is director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Evansville.