Louisiana’s ‘Critical, Unexpected Hardships’ Reason Behind St. Teresa Fund

(KPEL News) - If you scour social media accounts of the residents of Louisiana, you will see a significant increase in the number of people asking for help as budgets grow tighter for everyone. The goal of the St. Teresa Fund is to help ease the burden.

Ben Broussard, Chief of External Affairs for Catholic Charities of Acadiana, says 100% of the money donated to the St. Teresa of Calcutta Fund goes directly to the people in need.

People Want To Help, But Sometimes, They Aren't Sure How To Do It

While people in Acadiana and Louisiana are among the kindest in the world, it can be challenging to determine who to give to. And, the needs are significant.

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People are constantly asking for help on social media and with non-profit organizations, and often, those groups are at their limits.

Many people want to help, and they do help others. People in Acadiana will directly assist those they see on social media or come into contact with.

People Will Ask For Help To Cover Their Bills On Social Media

Some of the things people request help with are:

• Prescriptions or medical equipment for someone fighting an illness
• Car repairs so a breadwinner can keep working
• Burial assistance for a grieving family in an experience of poverty
• Move-in expenses for a family who recently experienced homelessness

The Cost Of Everything Continues To Rise

According to economic data, grocery prices have increased by 25% overall since 2020. That's just one sector of our economy that shows how inflation impacts the average person or family.

Broussard says they started this fund to help people who don't have a safety net. What does someone in an economic crisis do if they don't have family to loan them money when their car breaks down? That's just one example of a gap that exists. If your vehicle isn't fixed and you can't afford to fix it, then keeping your job will be tough.

For individuals who need financial assistance to cover prescriptions, deposits, and the first month's rent for housing, finding the money can be highly challenging, especially when state budgets are so tight. Broussard says,

We’ve all seen the posts on social media —people asking for help with utilities, funeral expenses after a tragic loss, or just trying to keep the lights on. It’s heartbreaking, and it often leaves others feeling helpless or unsure how to respond. Each request is carefully assessed through the Monsignor Sigur Resource Center, which is Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s long-standing front door for assistance.

What Can You Do When You Have A Crisis And Have Nowhere To Turn?

Someone reading this right now might be in need of help. When a crisis pops up, and you don't have any other options, Broussard says you can reach out to Catholic Charities of Acadiana at 337-235-4972. He says while the fund is limited, it exists for precisely these moments—to be a last line of hope.

Broussard says this fund is a way for anyone to help someone in need. Since the 1970s, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has operated the Msgr. Sigur Center is the front door to essential programs and services. He says since 2020, the volume of calls to the Sigur Center has increased significantly, revealing the growing number of neighbors in distress.

You can give a one-time gift or make a monthly donation. Broussard says,

When many people commit to giving even a modest amount each month, their collective generosity becomes a lifeline—meeting urgent needs with dignity, consistency, and compassion.

For more information about the St. Teresa of Calcutta Fund through Catholic Charities of Acadiana, you can visit their website at https://catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/st-teresa-of-calcutta-fund.