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Feature News | Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Catholic Charities ready to help renters

Agency gets a chance at $3.8 million aid grant to help Broward families avoid homelessness

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Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, center, joins Catholic Charities officials in celebrating the acceptance of a $ 3.8 million grant application for rent assistance for Broward County residents. With her are Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO, and Devika Austin, chief administrative officer.

Photographer: JIM DAVIS | FC

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, center, joins Catholic Charities officials in celebrating the acceptance of a $ 3.8 million grant application for rent assistance for Broward County residents. With her are Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO, and Devika Austin, chief administrative officer.

WILTON MANORS | Catholic Charities has been selected for a $3.8 million federal grant proposal for rent assistance, a grant that could help more than 200 families threatened with homelessness in Broward County.

If ratified by state legislators, the aid would ease the strain on renters with eviction notices or past-due bills in rent, electricity and food vouchers for up to six months.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick visited Catholic Charities’ office on May 23, 2022 to share the news personally.

“We were looking for organizations with a track record of helping,” she said. “Catholic Charities was a no-brainer.”

More than 200 organizations were considered for congressional funding, and Catholic Charities placed in the top 15, McCormick said.

The application now goes for approval to the Florida legislature. Catholic Charities expects word by September.

Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Charities, said he believed state lawmakers see the need to address the issue.

“In my 30 years, this is as great a crisis as we've seen in housing,” he said. “If approved, this grant will tackle a major issue that our workers confront. It centers on the human dignity of every person and family.”

Numerous studies and news articles have tracked the plight of the working poor, who were already squeezed by low wages and high rents before the COVID pandemic.

Rental rates have soared 30% or more, and aid agencies and benevolent organizations have found it hard to keep up, according to a report by Catholic Charities. Meanwhile, food prices have risen, and local agencies have found it hard to keep their shelves stocked.

Conversely, Catholic Charities cited a study that indicates temporary housing aid cuts the risk of going to a homeless shelter by 76%. 

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