Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico

Front entrance of the Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico building

Project Summary

Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico (CCSNM) COVID-19 Recovery Fund will provide direct financial assistance and access to healthcare and behavioral health treatment to the poor and less fortunate who have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. Those Las Cruces individuals and families who meet program eligibility requirements will receive assistance for rent, mortgage, utility, food, and medical care, including mental health services and counseling. Using HUD income guidelines, the COVID-19 Recovery Fund will assist individuals and families living at or below the federal poverty line. Over three years, CCSNM proposes to distribute $233,333 in direct assistance to assist 500 individuals/families who have been and will be negatively affected by COVID-19.

Goals

Provide direct financial assistance to the poor and less fortunate who have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. Provide medical care and mental health services for families that qualify for this initiative.

Milestones

CCSNM will measure outcomes quantitatively and qualitatively in particular:

  1. The number of clients saved from eviction.
  2. The number of individuals who received medical care.
  3. The number of clients who did not have their utilities shut off.
  4. The number of immigrants and migrant workers served.
  5. The number of COVID-19 bilingual public information sessions organized.
  6. The number of bilingual media messages (electronic and traditional) targeted at vulnerable populations increased community awareness of the benefits of vaccination.
  7. Individuals from under-represented communities will feel greater feeling of wellness and reduced stress.

Outcomes

500 individuals/families living in poverty experienced better health outcomes associated with increased financial support and access to healthcare and behavioral health treatment.

Rationale for the Project

The objectives of CCSNM's COVID-19 Recovery Fund are to provide financial assistance to Las Crucens, currently impacted physically, financially, and emotionally by the coronavirus, and to educate the city's most vulnerable communities about virus prevention and treatment. The target populations are the poor, immigrants, migrant workers, the homeless, and current and previous healthcare workers. Major program characteristics include 1.) direct assistance to those who need food, rent, utility, and medical assistance, including mental health services and counseling. 2.) public, bilingual education initiatives in partnership with local health care providers, including clinics and hospitals.