Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Mobile is asking the community to give as it kicks off its 89th Annual Appeal, with a fundraising goal of $4.5 million for 2020.
The appeal, announced for Sunday, January 26, comes as the Archdiocese reports that nearly 20 percent of the people it serves live in poverty.
Poverty Varies Sharply Across the Archdiocese
Figures shared by the Archdiocese show poverty rates vary widely across the south Alabama counties it serves: 19.7 percent in Mobile County, 10.1 percent in Baldwin County, and 23.3 percent in Escambia County — the highest of the three.
Funding More Than 30 Ministries
Catholic Charities helps more than 7,000 people a year at its Florida Street location alone. Money raised through the appeal funds more than 30 ministries, including adoption services, crisis pregnancy services, and emergency assistance for families in crisis.
Archbishop Thomas Rodi encouraged donations of every size, comparing giving to raindrops: each may look very small on its own, he said, but enough of them together create a river — and together they make a tremendous difference in the community.