Diocese and Caritas Extend Helping Hand with "Emergency Aid Fund"
Facing an influx of individuals reaching out for aid due to skyrocketing energy prices and financial distress, the Diocese of Trier and its associated Diocesan Caritas Association have decided to extend the "Emergency Aid Fund" until June 2024. This initiative was first introduced in 2023. As per Benedikt Welter, Chief of Trier's Diocesan Caritas Association, people are increasingly seeking assistance due to energy debts and financial crises. The extended fund will be put to good use by beefing up assistance services.
The "Emergency Aid Fund" is supported through additional church tax revenue sourced from the state-granted energy price lump sum. To date, about €1.15 million remains available until June 2024 from a total of €2 million. This relief will be distributed to ten local Caritas associations and three associations of the Social Service of Catholic Women in Koblenz, Saarbrücken, and Trier.
To expand its reach and aid more individuals, nine "Caritas family offices" have been established in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. These new contact points will cater to an increased need for assistance for low-income families and other individuals grappling with energy price-related problems and financial emergencies.
Besides immediate monetary assistance for those at risk of electricity cuts or unable to afford energy-saving measures, the "Emergency Aid Fund" aids an estimated 1.2 million Catholics living in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland within the Diocese of Trier.
As part of the extended "Emergency Aid Fund," the Diocesan Caritas Association is bolstering its efforts to provide aid to those affected by energy price issues and financial hardships. Seeking assistance can now be done by visiting the newly set up "Caritas family offices" in nine locations across Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
For in-depth information on the eligibility criteria, application process, and available aid for energy-related challenges and financial emergencies in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, you can reach out to the Diocese of Trier, the Diocesan Caritas Association, or local community resources in the mentioned areas. Direct contact is the most effective way to obtain specific details.
