Pittsburgh Diocese establishes ‘Cabrini Fund’ to help immigrant families facing hardship

The Diocese of Pittsburgh said this week that it is establishing an emergency initiative called the “Cabrini Fund” to help immigrant families address what Bishop Mark Eckman called their “hardest moments” including the loss of household providers.

The announcement, made on Nov. 13 — the memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini — said the fund is meant to address what the diocese said is a “growing need” to help immigrants in crisis in western Pennsylvania.

It will offer “temporary emergency assistance” to immigrant families in the diocese who are facing “extraordinary hardship.” The diocese said that the fund is meant to function as a last resort after “other sources of assistance” have already been utilized.

It will offer immigrant families money for rent, utilities, medical care, food, clothing, diapers and other essentials.

The families served by the fund will also be connected with “trusted partners” to help address long-term needs, including “employment, schooling, health care, and qualified legal help.”

“The Church cannot solve every difficulty a family may face, but we can make sure that no family faces its hardest moments alone,” Eckman said in announcing the…