Achievements
- Over 7500 showers were provided to homeless men and women in 2006.
- Over 10,000 meals were served to clients in 2006.
- More than 30 low-income individuals and families received over $5,000 in rent and utility assistance in 2005. Much of this assistance as been to meet emergency situations, thwarting evictions and/or hut-off of utility service. This money has come from special United Way grants, charity funds from the Archdiocese and from the contributions of parishioners.
- More than 60 individuals and families, who were homeless, have received rent and/or deposit funds to establish stable housing.
- More than 700 persons have received free haircuts by a professional stylist who donates her time every week.
- More than 30 people each year are referred to rehabilitation programs.
- Numerous legal clinics have attracted more than 200 persons per year to receive pro bono assistance from legal specialists in the following areas: housing and tenant rights, immigration, consumer debt management, and specific areas of concern for the clients.
- More than 150 clients, many non-English speaking, have been provided legal advocacy. Halting improper evictions, linking with job opportunities, obtaining low cost/free burial services and assistance to settle financial disputes.
- Free citizenship application assistance is sponsored by the Center.
- The Christmas luncheon of 2005 attracted more than 250 poor and homeless clients for a ham and turkey feast with all the trimmings. More than 50 volunteers, including those from other parishes, served guests and donated food items. Door prize drawings were held in which blankets, hygiene kits, sweatshirts and rain ponchos were given to attendees. St. Brendan’s, a sister parish, and Blessed Sacrament teamed up together and distributed Christmas gifts for 1,100 needy children.
- Blessed Sacrament School Student Council co-sponsors special events at Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter, during which snacks and gifts are presented to clients. A special project entitled “Hearts for the Homeless” is held within the school, inviting children to donate socks, deodorant, rain ponchos, and other items for the clients.
- Loyola High School has designated Social Services Center at Blessed Sacrament, Inc., as a prime site for students to complete their community service hours. In the fall of 2005, 25 students from the freshman program along with their student leaders came to the
Center for an immersion experience. Within three hours, they prepared hygiene kits, sorted and sized donated clothing and shoes, and prepared and served lunch to more than 130 clients. Loyola High School students spearhead a yearly Blanket Drive between
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- A new internship program has been established with Loyola Marymount University with students doing community work at the Center.
- 600 taxi vouchers and 2400 bus tokens were distributed in 2005 to needy clients for activities such as distributions and job opportunities.
