Susan and Joe live in a rural Kansas town with limited resources. Due to medical conditions, they were unable to work for a couple of months. They fell behind on their rent, and had no money for food. They relied on fishing for their meals, sometimes catching only a turtle.

Susan and Joe heard about Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Mobile Resource Bus coming to their area. The bus is equipped with basic essentials including food and clothing. A case manager is on board to provide services such as budget coaching, employment counseling, referrals or help filling out paperwork for other existing programs. Some direct financial assistance is available to help with rent, utility and medication costs.

“It’s not possible to have a permanent office in every county, but we are committed to serving those who live in rural communities where emergency assistance may not be easily accessible,” says Denise Ogilvie, Vice President, Outreach and Grants Management. “Also, our Mobile Resource Bus is a way to engage people in every community to be Christ to those in need by volunteering with us and helping in our mission of serving.”

Susan and Joe came to the Mobile Resource Bus feeling helpless. Although Joe was scheduled to begin working at a temp agency in the coming days, their landlord was about to evict them. Catholic Charities helped with the immediate rent need, as well as food assistance. The case management, however, went beyond that. “We provided financial coaching to the couple, developing a goal plan for budgeting their money and paying their bills once Joe started his job,” explained Dani De León, Case Management Specialist.

Susan and Joe left the Catholic Charities’ Mobile Resource bus with more than a bag of food and a budget plan. They had hope – something they hadn’t had in a very long time.