Catholic Charities of Southern Illinois |
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About Catholic Urban Programs ( "CUP" )CUP is dedicated to alleviating the pain and suffering of the poor and elderly. Our ministries are as comprehensive and as universal as the needs of human society. They take us wherever they are needed. Our work is concentrated in the Diocese of Belleville, particularly in St. Clair County and in the City of East Saint Louis. The goal of our ministry is to personify the Corporal Works of Mercy, which Christ reveals to us in Matthew 25:35-36 I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drinkCUP provides emergency food baskets to families that need food for several reasons, such as loss of income, devastating fires, death in the family, prolonged illness, etc. A daily hot meal is provided by the Bishop Cosgrove's Kitchen located in the same building as the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Food collections throughout the Diocese are a main source of food for our food pantry. I was a stranger and you welcomed meFire, loss of income, substandard housing, drug abuse, mental illness can all play a part in a family becoming homeless. When a family loses its home, it is devastating. But there is a place to turn: Holy Angels Shelter. Opened in 1985, the shelter serves an average of 200 people per year. The shelter is located at 1410 North 37th Street , East St. Louis IL 62204; Patricia Lewis is the Director, and she can be reached at 618-874-4079. I was naked and you clothed meCUP provides affordable clothing to those in need by teaming up with the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in East St. Louis and the St. Francis Thrift Shop in Belleville. Why would people today not have clothes? Many adults in our area have no income at all. They cannot pay for food, shelter or clothing. Low income families paying for childcare, rent, utilities and other basic living expenses cannot afford new clothes, and people need clothes to get a job. I was ill and you comforted me, in prison and you visited me.The elderly are so often abandoned in our society. CUP reaches out to them to let them know they are loved. Through visits, gifts for the holidays and help around the home, we help ease their loneliness. Staff members act as Guardians and Power of Attorney for those who have no family to act on their behalf. We assist people in getting medication; we arrange doctor appointments and provide transportation to doctors' offices. Unfortunately, many people die without any family. Often it is CUP that provides for and arranges the funeral, and the staff attends the funerals. The St. Vincent de Paul Society may provide pall bearers for those with no family. The needs are great, ever-present, ever-changing. We appreciate your prayers, your volunteer efforts, your gifts, donations, the legacies you leave us in your wills. Even one drop in a mighty ocean creates a ripple effect, and all your good does come back to you. We hope you will visit- online and in person-all of CUP's satellite programs: The Director of CUP is Mr. Joe Hubbard. He has ministered in East St. Louis for 40 years. He is assisted by Mr. Gerry Hasenstab. You can reach them at the information below.
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