Social Ministry Office & Food Pantry

Catholic Charities Senior Services offers programs to help seniors continue living independently and safely at home while maintaining physical and emotional health. Their services include referrals to government agencies and community resources, as well as Meals on Wheels and Senior Community Service Centers. 

For more information, call Senior Case Management at 516-771-3410.

Those in need of emergency housing can call the Department of Social Services at 516-227-8519. For after hours or weekend housing emergencies, call 516-573-8626. During the months of December through March, those in need can call Warmbed at 1-866-Warmbed (1-866-927-6233). 

Inflation and rising food prices have put undue economic pressure upon many families.  New York State has approved additional assistance through the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF) and is distributing funds through the SNAP (food stamp) program.  These emergency allotments are approved and distributed on a month-by-month basis and will continue until the public health emergency is lifted in our nation.  These funds may be withdrawn as cash from the SNAP program!  Recent distributions included $140 per eligible child for diapers, and $730 per eligible adult in multi-generational households.  If you or someone you know is considering applying for SNAP, now is the time to do so!

Island Harvest has a mobile food pantry called "Operation: HOPE" that is available for Long Island veterans and active military families in need of food assistance.  The goal is to connect these families to veteran services and other social benefits that could help our service men and women.  The food is delivered twice a week by a veteran who is sensitive to the needs of other veterans and their families.  For more information, please contact Island Harvest Operation: HOPE at 631-873-4775 ext 221.

The Town of Hempstead and the Town of Oyster Bay will provide interest-free loans to make home improvements to qualified senior citizens and those that are physically challenged.  Loans require repayment when the home is sold or the title transferred.  

For more information please call:

TOH Department of Planning and Economic Development: 516-539-7100

TOB Department of Intergovernmental Affairs and Community Development: 516-624-6177

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income individuals and families pay for the cost of heating and cooling their homes.

For more information or to apply, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ or call 1-800-342-3009.

HEAP Heating Assistance eligibility and benefits are based on multiple criteria such as income, household size and heating source.  If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year.  You could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off. 

HEAP Cooling Assistance allows individuals or families to apply for assistance in order to buy and install an air conditioner or fan for your home, max price $800 with installation.  To be eligible you must have a documented medical condition that is aggravated by heat, and you must meet certain income guidelines. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income families and individuals purchase the food they need for good health. Eligibility factors include level of income, household size, age, current expenses and other factors. 

For more information or to apply, visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov.

NY Project Hope is offering free, confidential, and anonymous counseling for those struggling with issues during COVID. They will assist with anything from economic hardships to behavioral health issues. Crisis counselors are available to provide self-help tips and a plan to assist individuals to become their own advocates. Many resources are available to help people bear the burden of the uncertainty and anxiety of these unusual times. For more information, call Project Hope at 855-818-HOPE (4673) or visit www.nhcc.us.

There are free support groups available for those impacted by Alzheimer’s. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can help everyone that participates. Topics covered include understanding Alzheimer’s, legal and financial planning, caregiver support, effective communication, and healthy living for both victims and caregivers. Consultations are available from the LI Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900.

If you are pregnant or a new parent and you need help, the Catholic Church is here for you, wherever you live in New York State.  

Unplanned pregnancy and parenting a young child can be scary and overwhelming, but you are not alone. 

Please visit https://www.nyscatholic.org/helpformoms/ for more information.