Catholic Charities of Northwest California's Financial Stability Program is designed to support participants in achieving their financial, credit, and housing goals. Clients are supported and empowered to make informed decisions through education, access to financial tools, and navigation of relevant resources.
“Financial wellness is a big factor in breaking that cycle. Understanding how money works, systematically and emotionally, can be a big motivator toward security. Knowledge is power. Case managers encourage clients to be mindful of finances and the importance of response,” said Felix Carvajal, Program Manager, on how the program contributes to breaking cycles of poverty and housing insecurity.
Clients accessing financial stability services are paired with a case manager who supports them on two fronts: assessing immediate financial circumstances and working toward long-term solutions that strengthen their overall financial wellbeing. Current trends showcase a growing need for housing stability due to a variety of factors including medical, family, and economic.
“The FSP program empowers participants by having access to meetings with their case managers in support of furthering the education on financial wellbeing. The client can access housing education, which overall is fundamental to improving overall sustainability, health, wellness, and enabling access to other benefits services,” said Marilyn Cruz, Case Manager.
“If these services were not available, families would experience housing instability and homelessness. Some families would suffer health complications due to the stress caused by being on the verge of losing housing. The Financial stability Program is crucial because of the resources that are available and offered to clients to empower the clients’ finances,” said Guadalupe Bustamante, Case Manager.
