CATHOLIC SERVICES

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31383, 31 May 1967, Page 9

CATHOLIC SERVICES

Greater Aid Given

Financial aid given to needy families and individuals by Roman Catholic services over the last 12 months had increased by 400 per cent compared with the previous year, the director (the Rev. Father T. J. Cahill) said in his annual report. An increase in the number seeking aid in finding employment and suitable accommodation was also reported. Requests for aid in finding jobs had increased over the last three months, Father Cahill said. “It appears that many people were living on overtime. With the reduction in overtime many families are finding it hard to make ends meet.”

The finding of suitable accommodation was not easy because the majority of those seeking houses to rent were unable to pay the £5 or £6 a week normally required, Father Cahill said. They could only hope far a State house in the near future. The financial aid ' grants amounted to nearly £2OOO and included £663 in cash grants, £447 for board and lodging, £283 for grocery orders, and £452 for clothing. Speaking of the future, Father Cahill said: “We are already noticing the effects of the economic crisis. We have had many more requests for material aid than is usual. This will probably be the pattern for the next 12 months.”