Catholic Charities Worcester County

Catholic Charities Worcester County is committed to strengthening families and to serving individuals in need, regardless of racial, ethnic, cultural, or religious origins, ability to pay, or mental, physical, or developmental challenges. We believe that every person has the right to life, housing, food, shelter, clothing, and health care, and that all should be enabled to participate in the decisions that vitally affect them.

Our programs target a critical population in Worcester County: low-to-moderate income and fixed-income individuals and families. We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the root causes of their socioeconomic insecurity and empower them to achieve lasting stability and self-sufficiency that include case management, food pantries, rental and utility aid, immigration legal aid services, substance use recovery, emergency shelter, employment programs, programs for adults with disabilities, homecare services, and more. 

Our programs tackle the interconnected issues of poverty and homelessness by providing a holistic approach that offers immediate relief and long-term support. Last year, we empowered over 72,000 individuals and families to achieve lasting stability, improved health outcomes, and self-sufficiency with the goal of ultimately breaking the cycle that keeps them struggling. Through in-depth case management, we address clients' immediate needs, equipping them with valuable skills, educational opportunities, and job placement assistance, fostering a path towards independence.

Our culturally sensitive food pantries offer client choice, prioritizing fresh and nutritious food, enabling families to prepare healthy meals. We go beyond food distribution by offering SNAP and MassHealth enrollment assistance, ensuring access to ongoing health equity. We also prioritize financial well-being by offering financial literacy education to every program participant. This includes both formal workshops and one-on-one coaching, empowering individuals to manage their finances effectively.

In addition to food and financial education, we provide access to clothing closets stocked with gently used clothing. When funding allows, we offer emergency financial assistance to cover rent, mortgage, utilities, and other essential bills, preventing eviction or utility shutoff and promoting stable housing.