By Cindy O’Connor
Six more weeks of winter declared Punxsutawney Phil on February 2, 2025. YIKES!
For the snow enthusiasts, I’m sure they were ecstatic at the historical way of knowing there will be more wintertime fun! For those who are “over it,” we are finding creative ways to bring spring early into our worlds.
Have you ever thought of how an extended winter, cold spell, wintery mix affects those who are housing compromised or are on a limited income and have exhausted their LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Assistance Program) funding?
Sadly, two lives that we know of were lost this winter season in our region from freezing during extreme frigid below zero temperatures.
As Catholics, we believe that all human life is a gift from God. Life is always worth living. It is sacred and has inherent dignity, regardless of quality of life. We should not be critical of how people make decisions about how they choose to live their lives, sometimes it is not a choice.
We believe that human life should be protected and valued at every stage, especially during vulnerable seasons. We should be in tune when our loved ones, friends and neighbors are experiencing hard times. Human life should be respected regardless of age or condition.
During the summer months, when the opposite occurs and temperatures are high, we also worry about those who experience health conditions that are triggered by the heat and exposed to the elements of the weather.
Family members of those who passed away during this winter’s extremely cold temperatures did not have heat in their homes. Their loved ones said they were too proud to ask for help and accepted living without any heating sources or electricity for supplemental heat.
This winter, many organizations, fire and emergency stations across the state collaborated to provide warming shelters and stations for the homeless.
How can we, together also help?
You can provide local ministries, agencies and groups who assist the homeless during extreme weather conditions items such as hand warmers (winter), water (always), individually non-perishable food such as granola bars, snack crackers (always), etc. and/or volunteer your time at a warming center, ministry or shelter.
The easiest that can be done anytime, anywhere is pray (always) for the vulnerable, the front-line workers and emergency personnel.
Should you know that someone has limited or exhausted resources for basic needs such as water, electricity and heat, please check in on them, contact their family members, organize a neighborhood group to keep in touch with each other.
Contact the Catholic Charities offices to discuss the concerns with our knowledgeable case workers. They are trained in knowing what assistance programs exist, who would qualify for funding and the steps to apply for resources. Through the generosity of donors, stakeholders and grants we can assist eligible applicants. For inquires to Catholic Charities, call (814) 535-6538.
Cindy O’Connor is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
