TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Making ends meet through COVID-19 is at the top of mind for many who've found themselves out of work, perhaps for the first time.
But, for those who reach out, Catholic Charities offers a helping hand.
"Being behind, you really can't catch up when you're living paycheck to paycheck," said Tiffani Tammie, who received assistance from Catholic Charities.
Tammie was on the verge of eviction when she reached out to Catholic Charities. They provided her with $2,000 overnight to help keep her and her family in their home.
"Even if I took more than half my paycheck every two weeks, I would still be just making my rent," said Tammie. "And so with late fees I was like, 'I'll never catch up.' I was going to have to move, so it really saved me and my family."
Since March 20, Catholic Charities has spent more than $15, 000 helping about 35 families through the pandemic by offering financial assistance.
In addition to helping with rent, they're also helping those families keep up with utility payments.
"We want to make sure that by the time that this is over that they don't have an $800 or a $1,000 utility bill," said Jackie Fortmann, Emergency Assistance Program specialist. "So we're still assisting with those things just to help people maintain, sustain, and to keep them in housing."
Catholic Charities also offers food distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays staring at 2:30 p.m. Their assistance is available to people of all faiths.
You can pick up food or drop off donations at their location on Blountstown Highway.
According to their records, Catholic Charities will have spent more than $2 million helping families in need by the end of this fiscal year.
