Catholic Charities Responds to Coronavirus

« Back to www.scd.org/coronavirus

Catholic Charities of Sacramento is continuing to serve the poor throughout the 20 counties of the diocese through our member and partner agencies while being attentive: to keep our clients, volunteers and staff safe while addressing the needs of families and individuals during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services: 

In a region where thousands already struggle to make ends meet, the emergence of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has even further exacerbated economic instability as state and local action to prevent its spread has led to unprecedented mass disruptions in business, school closures, and overall community life. Although our resources are stretched, we are committed to ensuring that people do not go hungry. We are working with our dedicated partner network of 220+ food pantries to ensure – steady food supply, volunteer labor, safe and sanitary distribution practices, etc.

How can people get help?  People can utilize our food finder map on to select a distribution point near them: https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/find-food

People can also visit our new page listing our Emergency Response Agencies. The agencies listed on this page have committed to staying open during this crisis, to make sure our community is fed.  https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/emergency-response-agencies

How can people help your agency right now?  We need help now, more than ever. To donate now, click here.  

Volunteers needed:  If you are between 10 – 64 years old and don’t have underlying medical conditions, we’d love to have you volunteer. To access volunteer opportunities, visit  https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/volunteer

For additional info visit:  https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/response-to-covid-19

Catholic Charities of Yolo Solano (CCYS)

In Yolo and Solano Counties, CCYS is expanding its Family Assistance programs (Rental Assistance, Food Pantry and CalFresh) to meet the current COVID-19 public healthcare crisis and is working with our local St. Vincent de Paul conferences to coordinate the delivery of food boxes to senior citizens and homebound individuals as well as starting our Friendship services to call and check in on seniors and homebound individuals.

How can people get help?  In Yolo and Solano County call 2-1-1 or call our Solano office at 707-644-8909 or Yolo Office at 530-214-4081.  Note:  Our Solano office is open (125 Corporate Place, Suite A, Vallejo, CA 94590) but we limit how many people can be seen at a time. 

How can people help?  We need help with preparing food boxes, calling applicants for rental assistance.  Volunteers can sign up through our website: https://www.ccyoso.org/volunteers.  To donate online, click here

** We also need donations of canned goods, shopping bags, hygiene products for our Homeless clients

Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS)

In Shasta, Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Siskiyou and Trinity Counties, NVCSS is also redirecting services to meet the needs of the North State. 

  • The Community Care Fund is available for those participating in case management needing financial assistance for move-in expenses.  We are working with Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency to receive referrals for homeless individuals and families needing housing. 
  • Emergency Preparedness program:   Disseminating information to vulnerable populations regarding COVID-19 Information passed out in 1,000 food distribution boxes going to seniors (Shasta and Trinity counties).
  • Hosting webinars/web-based presentations regarding COVID-19, posting on NVCSS Disaster Services social media pag
  • Crisis Outreach:  Calling disaster case management/counseling clients (Butte and Shasta) and CalHOPE (Butte) to provide emotional support and resources Will be helping with food distribution in the community while including information in food distribution regarding self-care, best practices and reliable information around managing the changes related to the virus.
  • Counseling:  Continuing to provide counseling services to individuals and families via Thera-Link (telehealth with video) Continuing to provide group services to Juvenile Hall residents via Thera-Link Providing resources for individuals and familes for best practices around shelter-in-place (i.e., managing children, establishing flexibility while having routine, managing anxiety and depression, etc)
  • CalFRESH  Continuing to provide services via webinars/web-based presentations to vulnerable populations
  • The Wellness Centers  are continuing to provide groups and members' meetings via video conferencing.  

Most services in all counties are still continuing through virtual platforms, telephone calls and porch drop offs.  This includes providing emotional support, education and information and resource and referral in our counseling, home visitation and outreach and education programs.

How can people get help?  Use of 211 for services in each county or call the NVCSS Talklilne at 855-582-5554 (Anyone in the community can call to receive peer to peer mental health support as well as resource and referrals.  Hours are now 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.)