Emergency Assistance Services

Basic Needs

We assist individuals facing hardship in securing basic necessities including, but not limited to: transportation and identification.

Food Pantry

No one should ever have to go hungry. Our Food Pantry program helps ensure healthy food gets to those who need it.

Emergency Financial Assistance

We provide mini-grants to residents of Ashland, Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit, and Wayne counties who are experiencing temporary hardship brought on by unforeseen circumstances. Limited funds are available and applicants must qualify for services.

Men's Overnight Emergency Shelter

Our shelter at St. Elizabeth Center in Lorain serves adult men who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We offer year-round shelter for 50 men, focusing on supporting those with special needs.

Community Hot Meals

We serve free hot meals seven days a week at locations throughout the Diocese of Cleveland. Click to find a location near you.

Bridges@Work

This program provides assistance to employees in Geauga County coping with challenges in their lives that impact their work environment. This program is offered on-site at partner businesses throughout the community.

Coordinated Entry

This program serves as the central point of access to homeless services for Lorain County, assisting with referrals to emergency shelter and housing.

Food Shelf

Catholic Charities Food Shelf offers a number of food and hygiene items to neighbors in need in Ashland & Medina counties.

Clothing Closet

The Clothing Closet at the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center provides new and lightly-used clothing to men, women and children in need. All items are distributed at no cost.

Holiday Meals

We serve free holiday meals in person and through delivery for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas to those in need.