StART
[St. Andrew Response Team]
StART will help those in temporary or long-term need by offering prayer, support, sustenance, and financial assistance through the generosity of our Catholic Parish community.
Needs assessments conducted in Bucks County by various social and healthcare organizations during the past several years have identified that there is a surprisingly large contingent of families living at or below the poverty level within our beautiful and affluent county. The number of those in need is growing due to the many challenges within the current economic climate. Sadly, many families throughout the county who were once financially secure are struggling now.
Individuals and parents in crisis feel very vulnerable, overwhelmed, and ineffective. Hampered by their own emotional and physical needs, they cannot meet their spouse's and children's emotional needs. Very often, they don't know where to turn for help.
Saint Andrew Catholic Church founded the StART Ministry to help. StART team members meet with local families and individuals to assess their needs and offer short-term financial assistance (gift cards for local supermarkets, certificates to thrift stores, financial obligation resolution, and safe temporary housing alternatives). Additionally, the StART team has access to a list of Bucks County resources where people may receive more permanent assistance.
For families new to a crisis of this sort, knowing what agencies and organizations to contact may help to put them back on the road to self-sufficiency.
“If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth."
- 1 John 3:17-18
The StART program's goal is to assist those in need by quickly resolving any immediate financial or housing issues while ultimately guiding these families and individuals to appropriate resources to help them access financial stability, permanent housing, healthcare, and employment support. We develop and maintain partnerships with local agencies to provide families and individuals with a continuum of care and social services that will provide shelter and basic needs for themselves and their children on a long-term basis.
To fulfill this mission, the StART Ministry needs the Saint Andrew community's support through financial donations and prayers. Second collections primarily fund StART and are scheduled throughout the year.
Saint Andrew parishioners are distinguished for helping others - especially when the need is most evident. We have answered the call through multiple financial crises, as well as a global pandemic. Please donate to this vital and compassionate ministry. Contributions are tax-deductible, and business checks are welcome. The more funds we raise, the more families we can begin to make whole. And if you know of a family or individual in crisis, please remember that Saint Andrew may be able to help via StART.