Catholic Charities recognizes the plight of those living in poverty.  Through Elderly and Family Assistance Services (EFAS) we offer help in the form of food, clothing, toiletries, back- to-school supplies, holiday wish lists, utilities and other types of financial assistance.

Through our Senior Program, hundreds of low-income senior citizens arrive daily at one of three locations in Dallas for hot meals, activities, health screenings, social events, and assistance.   Our program is designed to promote and support personal independence (emotional-physical well-being) for clients while recognizing and preserving their individual dignity.

Each month, our Emergency Assistance Services provides emergency help to needy individuals and families in the form of food, clothing, and financial assistance with rent, utility bills, etc.  According to the 2000 Census, more than 40,000 families in Dallas live below the poverty level.  More than half of those families live within the areas served by Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc.   On average each year, more than 17,000 people will receive some type of emergency assistance from Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc.  12,000 people receive food monthly through a collaboration with the North Texas Food Bank.

Through these programs, EFAS provides help and creates hope for families and individuals.

Click here to watch a video about Catholic Charities of Dallas.

Cross Family Center, The Brady Center, Neuhoff Center for Seniors at Marillac

Everyday, hundreds of senior citizens come to one of three Dallas centers to interact and socialize with other seniors.  At the Cross Family Center in Oak Cliff, The Brady Center in East Dallas, and the Neuhoff Senior Center at Marillac in West Dallas, the elderly are served nutritious hot meals, interact with exercise and recreation activities, and receive social and healthcare services.

In Dallas, 17,779 older citizens, age 65+, live alone and live 50% below the poverty level.  The need for activities for the elderly is great.  Keeping seniors active and independent helps combat depression, poor nutrition, and even suicide.

In 2006:

• 103,373 nutrious meals were served to elderly citizens.  
• 99% of our seniors maintained an independent lifestyle.
• 53% of our seniors said, "If I could not come to the center, I would have nowhere else to turn when I needed help".

Jefferson Family Assistance Center, Cross Family Assistance Center, The Brady Center, Marillac Social Center

We believe a basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring.  In a society marred by deepening division between rich and poor, our tradition instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

At Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Services, over 37,226 people receive assistance in the form of food, clothing, rent and utilities.  In 2006, over $842,000 in financial and material assistance was given.

In Dallas, over 40,000 famililes live in poverty and over half of those families live in the areas we serve (2000 Census).  At our Assistance Centers, caseworkers help families in need by providing for their most basic needs and helping the family to create a budget so that they can move forward and live within their means.

Here are just a few ways you can help Emergency and Family Assistance Services:

• Give a monetary gift. You can do this by donating online here or by sending your gift to: Catholic Charities of Dallas, 3725 Blackburn St., Dallas, TX 75219
• Donate Material Items. Some of the items needed are:
      bingo prizes for seniors 
      food pantry items
      gift cards for discount retailers and grocery stores
      toiletries 
  If you can help by donating any of these items or have questions, contact Angelica Hernandez at (214) 826-8330
• Volunteer.   We need volunteers to help with Senior Activities, Food Pantries, Magi Tree for Christmas Holidays and more!
• If you would like to volunteer, contact Angelica Hernandez at (214) 826-8330
• Pray for our staff, volunteers and clients.