Our two mobile Resource Buses provide direct assistance to those living in rural, outlying areas in our 21 county service area. Each bus is equipped with basic essentials including food and clothing. In addition, a case manager is on board to provide rent, utility and medication assistance, as well as community referrals.

As the temperatures begin to drop, bills begin to rise. Our Resource Buses serve families with assistance to keep electric and gas services on, as well as maintain housing. Selma is a disabled woman that took her two granddaughters – which she lovingly calls her nietas –  in when the state of Kansas removed them from their home. Selma is on a fixed income but refused to let her flesh and blood be placed into foster care so she adopted them permanently. The girls call her “Nana Selma” and she has been caring for them for a few years now.

Selma was referred to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas by a partner agency in a rural town. On a chilly day in December, our case manager met with Selma on our southern Resource Bus in her hometown. She shared how concerned she was about losing heat in her apartment and how she wanted to keep her nietas warm and safe but the higher than usual utility bills on top of her rising medical bills were becoming an issue. In collaboration with local agencies, we were able to help pay Selma’s past due balance on her overall utilities and keep her home safe, warm and livable for Nana and her nietas.

Interested in finding out more about our services for rural areas? Visit our Resource Bus Page.