Christopher Coen
Melissa Sogard
nancylee1
According to an article in the Northwest Indiana Times Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is reporting that they have had to fill some vacuum in refugee services due to “government budget cuts” — even though there haven’t been any budget cuts. Are they referring to the MRA account budget cut proposal passed by the US House but not yet by the US Senate?
CHICAGO| Whether they are young or old, hungry or addicted, homeless or friendless, Roman Catholic or not, Catholic Charities said it sees the face of God in those seeking refuge.
As one of the organization’s many services, the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago helps resettle refugees, while aiding them in empowerment and self-sufficiency.
With federal budget cuts affecting refugee assistance here and overseas, the government’s ability to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced people has been reduced significantly.
Nonprofit groups such as Catholic Charities and other nongovernmental organizations are feeling pressure to take up the slack.
Since 1975, more than 133,000 refugees have resettled in the Chicago area. In 2009 Chicago resettled 2,412 refugees and an estimated 2,800 refugees in 2010, federal statistics show… Read more here
Kristin Ortman, spokeswoman at Chicago’s Catholic Charities, also claims that “funding from the government only lasts 90 days.” Its as if the Matching Grant Program with its 4-6 months of assistance doesn’t exist, or that the 8 months refugee cash assistance and Medicaid is a figment of our imagination.
