St. Joseph Hardship Fund

“With the St. Joseph Hardship Fund, the Diocese of Lafayette can answer the call to love our neighbor and care for the most vulnerable throughout the eight parishes in our Diocese following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

- Bishop Douglas Deshotel  

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What is the St. Joseph Hardship Fund?

Founded on the Feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2020, the St. Joseph Hardship Fund will provide resources throughout the Diocese of Lafayette to respond to the immediate and longer-term economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Why is it needed?

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, resources for those in the Diocese of Lafayette experiencing homelessness or were one emergency away from homelessness were limited; the impact of the economic crisis that followed the statewide quarantine order has challenged working families and others who may never have expected to be in this position. FOOD RELIEF: More requests for food at FoodNet, a Catholic Charities of Acadiana program and at the more than 30 Catholic Parish Outreach Centers throughout the Diocese is a result of the increased food insecurity we are already experiencing following business closures. HOMELESS SERVICES: In order to prevent those experiencing homelessness from contracting and spreading COVID-19 by being in a group shelter, Catholic Charities of Acadiana is providing suppport services to homeless individuals and families who are sheltered off site.
  UTILITY ASSISTANCE: For utilities for people at risk of becoming homeless (or currently experiencing homelessness) to maintain housing stability. RENT ASSISTANCE: For rent and other associated costs ensuring hosing stability for those who have experienced an economic hardship due to COVID-19.

How will it work?

Founded in 1973 as a rental and utility assistance program by Msgr. A. O. Sigur, what we know today as Catholic Charities of Acadiana has almost 50 years as a trusted administrator of a program of this nature. Catholic Charities of Acadiana, under the auspices of the Diocese, will facilitate:

• Fund distributions to front line parish social ministries whose missions align
• Food distributions through parish social ministries via FoodNet
• Direct funding request from clients

Front-line parish ministries can apply for grants from the St. Joseph Fund as needed as part of a revolving application process.

Are Matching Funds available?

Bishop Deshotel has committed up to $1 million in disaster funds for matching purposes. Matching funds are already at work through Catholic Charities’ Seven Day Staples Project and through grants to area church pantries. 

How do I make a donation?

In 2020, the CARES Act permits individuals who itemize their deductions to take a charitable contribution deduction of up to 100% of their adjusted gross income.  Individuals who do not itemize their deductions may deduct up to $300 in qualified charitable contributions.  If you want to donate to the St. Joseph Hardship Fund, contact Director of Stewardship and Development Margaret Trahan either by phone at (337) 261-5642 or by email at mtrahan@diolaf.org, for more information.


Checks made payable to the St. Joseph Hardship Fund may be mailed to: