As summer’s heat settles in, Evelyn (Cleye) is deeply thankful to Catholic Charities for coming to her aid with a bedroom AC unit, as well as a new washer, dryer, and garbage disposal.
Since January 2024, Evelyn’s life has changed dramatically. She often tears up with gratitude at the generosity she’s received since she finally found the courage to ask her neighbors for help to escape her dire living conditions. Having outlived all her family in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Evelyn found herself alone with only a callous caregiver willing to bring her food and pay her bills, but not help her manage her home. Disabled by severe arthritis in her knees and without access to her funds, Evelyn’s home fell into deep disrepair. The pandemic worsened her situation, further isolating her from society. Her home, once a place of joy, became a prison infested with mice and filled with garbage she was physically unable to dispose of.
Her faith in humanity has been restored, and she now approaches her 93rd birthday with peace and gratitude. Since seeking help, four thousand pounds of garbage have been removed from her home, the mice have been eradicated, her stained and mouse-dropping-covered mattress has been replaced, her carpets have been cleaned, stretched, and treated, her home has been thoroughly cleaned, both of her broken toilets have been replaced, lights have been repaired in her bathrooms, her shower has been fixed and the black mold remediated, a new kitchen faucet has been installed, a new hot water heater has been added, a new dishwasher has been put in, and of course, Catholic Charities generously donated essential items.
The most important part of this journey for Evelyn has been meeting kind and generous people and agencies who have shown her that humanity is not lost and people do care. Evelyn once felt like the unwanted leftover food on a plate. She was dejected and lost. Today, she is happy and thriving, knowing wonderful people still exist.
Agencies like Catholic Charities make a huge difference in the lives of others, and Evelyn is profoundly grateful.
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada to Offer Home Modifications to Qualifying Seniors
~Grant provides assistance with unsafe and unsanitary housing situations~
(January 10, 2025 – Reno, Nev.) – Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) has received a grant from the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division to enhance the living conditions of low-income seniors. Through this funding, CCNN will offer one-time, no-cost home repairs and modifications to address unsafe or unsanitary housing conditions, ensuring seniors’ homes meet essential health and safety standards. The program will serve eligible residents across Nevada, excluding Clark County.
“For many seniors on a low, fixed income, necessary home repairs and modifications are often delayed or addressed with an inadequate fix due to budget constraints,” said Marie Baxter, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. “For these individuals, a single unexpected expense could lead to the risk of homelessness. By offering essential home repairs and modifications at no cost, we aim to improve their quality of life and provide a safer, healthier living environment.”
Under the grant, CCNN’s St. Marguerite Support Services will assist homeowners aged 60 or older, or adults with disabilities, in qualifying for and contracting with licensed, insured, and bonded handymen to provide no-cost safety upgrades. Repairs and modifications may include window trim or replacement, door and lock repairs or replacement, installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, washer and dryer replacement, toilet modifications, grab bars, wheelchair ramps, fire extinguishers, and repair or replacement of non-working appliances.
Additionally, the St. Marguerite’s will continue to support clients with education, outreach and case management providing access to CCNN’s wraparound homeless prevention services as well as referrals to other agencies and supports as needed.
For more information about the program, please contact Ray van Hest at (775) 322-7073, ext. 341 or [email protected]
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, established in 1941, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) is a Nevada-based, 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit corporation operating human service programs including: St. Vincent’s Dining Room, St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, St. Marguerite Support Services, Battle Born Housing Plus, Immigration Legal Assistance, Elevating Families and others. CCNN is committed to providing help and creating hope in our community. From infants to seniors, CCNN assists approximately 40,000 people per month in northern Nevada.
Media Contact:
Tiffany East, 775-250-8092
