In the wake of the federal funding freeze put in place by the Trump administration, Catholic Charities agencies across the country are facing significant financial hardships.
These challenges are particularly affecting programs aimed at aiding refugees and migrants, with some local agencies having to lay off employees and reduce or close programs entirely.
The Freeze’s Impact on Catholic Charities Agencies
As a result of President Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid for a 90-day review, Catholic Charities programs nationwide have seen their federal funding blocked.
This is particularly concerning for organizations offering services to vulnerable populations, such as migrant and refugee resettlement programs.
Agencies in Florida, Texas, and Kansas have spoken out about how the funding freeze is impacting their ability to operate effectively.
Texas Catholic Charities Closes Refugee Resettlement Program
One of the first agencies to announce its response was Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle.
The organization revealed it had no choice but to suspend its Refugee Resettlement Program indefinitely.
The decision was made with a heavy heart, as Catholic Charities has been resettling refugees in the region since the 1970s.
The program’s staff members have been reassigned to other departments within the agency, though the loss of this vital service has left the community in a difficult position.
Florida Catholic Charities Lays Off 26 Employees
Catholic Charities of Jacksonville, Florida, also felt the sting of the funding freeze.
This week, the organization was forced to lay off 26 employees from its refugee program.
These layoffs followed the agency’s failure to receive federal reimbursement for services provided in November.
The freeze had a direct financial impact, preventing the agency from receiving over $600,000 in crucial funds.
The CEO of the Florida agency, Anita Hassell, expressed the difficulty of letting staff go without severance pay.
However, she emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts to appeal to donors in an attempt to secure necessary funds for their programs.
Kansas Catholic Charities Issues Urgent Call for Support
In Kansas, Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas is also facing a financial crisis due to the freeze.
The agency issued an “urgent call for support” after being blocked from receiving reimbursements it was contracted to get for its migrant relief program.
Executive Director Debbie Snapp explained that, due to the freeze, the agency has had to tap into undesignated funds and donations to cover basic operational costs.
This has left the agency struggling to provide essential services, such as emergency rental assistance and utility bill payments, to individuals in need.
The Struggles of Catholic Charities Agencies Nationwide
Catholic Charities agencies across the U.S. are all feeling the strain of the freeze.
In cities like Dallas, Syracuse, and Santa Rosa, local branches have had to reduce their operations and lay off staff.
The freeze has made it more difficult for these agencies to fulfill their mission of supporting vulnerable communities, with staff and volunteers working tirelessly to keep essential services running.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Catholic Charities Programs?
Despite the challenges, Catholic Charities agencies are committed to continuing their services as best as they can.
Many are still hopeful that the funding freeze will eventually end, allowing them to resume their vital work with migrants and refugees.
In the meantime, agencies are relying heavily on donations and local community support to fill the gap.
While Catholic Charities programs across the country are doing their best to navigate the freeze, it is clear that the situation is having a profound impact on both the staff and the people they serve.
The need for support is more urgent than ever as these agencies face the ongoing financial strain caused by the funding freeze.