My Perspective:
FSPA ministry grant helps Alabama residents stay in their homes

by Eileen Shaw, FSPA
At The Service Center of Catholic Social Services in Mobile, Ala., our dedicated staff strives to assist those who are without the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing and medical assistance regardless of race, creed, gender or age. Rent and utility assistance is given depending on available funds. We are an ecumenically supported ministry relying on the generosity of our donors.

A favorite CD of mine speaks of listening with the “ear of your heart.” At times this may be the only service we can provide, yet it gives those without support a connection with someone who cares.

Prichard, Ala., a neighboring city of Mobile, is an economically depressed community. Water utility rates have increased continually over the years. Even before the current economic crisis, residents struggled with skyrocketing water bills. Last November, they were hit with a 15 percent rate increase. This has placed a burden on households already struggling financially.

Imagine water bills so high you would need to borrow money from your church or decide between purchasing your blood pressure, diabetic or heart medication and paying your water bill. These are some of the decisions residents of Prichard face each month.

With assistance from a Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration ministry grant, Service Center staff was able to assist 150 Prichard households with their water bills this past year. Our staff has empowered these individuals to speak out against excessive water rates. Even though we can’t assist everyone, at least 150 families have been able to stay in their homes because of the FSPA ministry grant.

Along with the other services we provide at The Service Center, we offer our caring, presence, listening and acknowledgement of Christ in each other. When Jesus said “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me . . . ,” he could have been speaking about the ministry of The Service Center’s staff, volunteers and all who enter
its doors.