Caritas of Austin is fighting the good fight against poverty, one year at a time. Just released is the agency’s 2006 annual report, which marks 43 years of service and documents the agency’s ever-expanding mission.
Caritas assists families in avoiding eviction and homelessness, feeds hundreds of people each day, and advises job-seekers as they become self-sufficient, among many other services. Especially timely is Caritas’ Refugee Resettlement Community Support Program. In 2006, Caritas provided crucial help with transportation, housing, food, health care, employment, language, and financial needs to 165 documented refugees from Cuba, Iran, Ethiopia, Liberia, Congo, Sudan, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.
In the report, Executive Director Beth Atherton thanks agencies, businesses, and individuals lending time and money to Caritas’ many programs. “Your dedication … allows us to not only provide for basic needs in times of crisis, but also offer opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency,” Atherton said.
According to the report, revenue sources were $2,608,636 in government contracts, $522,900 in funds generated by special events, $716,815 from individuals, $711,200 from foundations, $136,096 in faith-based dollars, $97,788 from United Way, $292,783 from businesses, $50,463 in interest income, and $315,293 in in-kind contributions – for a total of $5,451,974. Expenses listed were the Basic Needs Coalition, at $1,285,198 24; basic needs services, $2,018,151; self-sufficiency services, $1,295,937; and administration/fundraising, $677,307 – for a total of $5,276,593.
This article appears in July 6 • 2007.