Giving Hope to a Struggling Community

"During the pandemic, I found myself unemployed and in need of food. I had never struggled like this before; I have an Art and Business Degree and never knew what it was like to feel hungry. One cold day I was walking the streets in my community, Kensington, in search of a hot cup of coffee. I stumbled upon the Community Center at Visitation, and my life completely changed. They took me in, served my coffee and a meal.  I lived in this neighborhood for 15 years and didn't know they existed. I kept coming back each day, and they offered me a job working in maintenance.  I wanted to be part of this community and help people in need.  People in this area are struggling. They need food to survive, and the food pantry at the Community Center helps so many people who have nowhere else to turn. Kensington is a rough neighborhood, and most people in this area live below the poverty line and cannot afford the high food prices. We are deeply in need in Kensington, and without help from the Catholic Charities Appeal, we will not be able to survive. Just a little bit ca make a great difference to this community. Please give with your heart and help provide hope to those who desperately need it." 

– Patrick, Visitation Community Center Food Pantry, Maintenance Worker