"When I acquired custody of my son, I swallowed my pride to get some help. Catholic Charities helped me when I needed it," said George, whose name has been changed because he prefers not to be identified.

He found out about Catholic Charities through the Indiana County Community Action Program. He received an emergency food box and a voucher for food, which he used to purchase milk, bread, meat and essential items. He also received emergency fuel oil.

"It got me to payday. They helped me out. I got stuck that one time, and they were there. I needed it, and they stepped up," he said.

In order to continue to assist George and others like him, Catholic Charities is in dire need of assistance too. The organization is experiencing a monetary shortfall during these hard economic times.

Judy Modecki, director of coordinated services and development for Catholic Charities, said the social services arm of the diocese was hit hard with a double whammy in 2009.

Catholic Charities experienced a shortfall due to the state budget impasse and an increased need for assistance. She said $250,000 was used within six months to assist people with rent, utility bills, food and heating sources.

Because the state budget wasn’t passed quickly, assistance wasn’t received for housing, and various government agencies didn’t receive crucial funding, which affected disbursement through Catholic Charities.

Demand for assistance is up 30 percent, and distribution of emergency food boxes has risen 45 percent, Modecki said.

Additionally, the income guidelines for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which were raised in 2009, were decreased for 2010, and fewer people are receiving cash assistance grants for heating fuel.

Catholic Charities recently received small emergency grants through the United Ways of Westmoreland and Indiana counties for heating fuel, but they will deplete quickly, Modecki said.

She noted that in 2009, Catholic Charities netted approximately $72,000 from the annual Communities of Salt and Light Awards Dinner and $17,000 for its annual golf outing. It also received $60,000 from the United Way of Westmoreland County Working Poor Fund, plus private grants.

Modecki said assistance is needed to provide emergency food boxes that feed a family of four for three days. Catholic Charities is the only organization in the area that provides emergency food boxes anytime during normal business hours.

Catholic Charities’ information and referral service provides a central telephone entry point for people seeking assistance in the four counties in the diocese. Clients are connected with possible assistance within the Catholic Charities system or through outside community agencies, according to Modecki. Income guidelines must be met.

"Because of the situation this year, our funding was completely drained," Modecki said, explaining that the agency’s help is vital for many people. For example, a $100 donation would keep a family warm for two weeks.