Episcopal Charities Basic Human Needs Grants 2010

40 outreach programs will receive a total of $344,400 in support in 2010. An average grant is $8,500. These outreach programs address a wide range of needs throughout the Diocese.  

Cognizant of the impact that the struggling economy continues to have on those most in need, the programs that Episcopal Charities supports in this grant cycle emphasize the provision of direct services addressing essential life services, and include the following emphases:  addiction/recovery, aging/eldercare, English as a second language, adult literacy and immigrant services, feeding, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, physical disabilities, and prison: community re-integration and re-entry assistance.

Click on the name of any program to learn more. (Please note that some programs are listed in more than one category.)

Recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is an ongoing process. Once a person has stopped using a particular substance, the process of learning to cope with life's daily stresses and developing strategies to deal with the challenges that arise is important in maintaining recovery and preventing relapse. A support system during this time is critical. The Episcopal Charities BHN grant for addiction/recovery:

Home delivered meals and adequate medical follow up has grown in importance over the past decade in helping more seniors live at home while recovering from illness and when impaired by chronic conditions threatening their independence. Adequate and appropriate diets are an essential component of preventing and fighting many illnesses and chronic diseases and conditions, many which are among the leading causes of death and disability of seniors. Seniors suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis are among those chronic illnesses and conditions associated with nutrition and frequently recognized as high risks when diets are inadequate or routine medical appointments are not kept.

The Episcopal Charities BHN grants for aging/eldercare include the following programs:

The purpose of providing instruction in English as a second language is to allow those who speak little or no English, such as new immigrants to the Diocese, to enhance their quality of life. The goal of these programs is to improve the work environment and the student's participation in basic ordinary situations such as communicating more effectively during visits to health appointments, government agencies, and other work and social situations. Providing immigrants with referrals to government services as well as assistance with job applications and placement is related to the welcome we offer those new to our country.

The increasing cost of food and the overall economic decline has only exacerbated the experience of those living with food insecurity. The Hunger Action Network of New York State reports that the number of families in New York participating in the federal food stamp program was 2,004,511 in June 2008, up from 1,801,707 in June 2007. Over the past four years, emergency food programs in New York State have seen a 75% increase in clients; while emergency food pantries in New York City have seen a 65% increase. In 2008, nearly 2.7 million New Yorkers live in poverty, making the poverty rate 14.2% of the population.

The feeding programs receiving financial support have demonstrated their commitment to providing food and services to the growing numbers of those lining up their doors for assistance. They have continued to address the root causes of poverty by offering various services in addition to food; these services range from provision of a referral list to social service providers, entitlement counseling for community resources, and basic medical check-ups and referral assistance as well as shower facilities for guests attending a meal program.

The following 33 feeding programs will receive support from Episcopal Charities in 2010:

People living with HIV/AIDS live with the virus—and require support services—for extended periods of time. Several parish outreach programs provide informed, sensitive and compassionate responses to those affected by the disease, as well as providing the necessities of daily life or educating at-risk populations about prevention.

As part of our commitment to address the effects of HIV/AIDS, Episcopal Charities offers the following programs support:

The hardships faced by those living on the streets or in constant search for shelter are overwhelming. This year, Episcopal Charities supports a program bringing food, clothing and necessities to the homeless on the streets of New York City, as well as a third program provides rental assistance to those who otherwise might lose their homes.

Those who have suffered a stroke or whose activities are impaired because of other physical disabilities need a program which offers physical and speech therapy, provides a place to build community, and regain a sense of dignity and independence.

Many prisoners released in New York leave prison with little more than the clothes on their backs and a box full of legal papers. Those with no family to welcome them home have many needs that compete for their limited resources including housing, clothing, food, and job-seeking expenses. Even those with family members waiting for their return face the stresses of reintegration into family life and society.

About two-thirds of former inmates from state prisons are re-arrested within three years and most of those are rearrested in the first year. Success rates dramatically increase for former inmates who have positive support systems. Providing prisoners with pre-release support, and ex-prisoners with guidance and support immediately after their release is critical.

The Episcopal Charities 2010 BHN grant for prison: community re-integration and re-entry assistance: