Crescent Springs, Kentucky: Community Nonprofit Receives Grant to Aid Families Amid Rising Living Costs
CRESCENT SPRING, Ky. — As the relentless rise in the cost of living continues to challenge families across Kentucky, St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky is poised to address these pressing issues thanks to a recent financial grant. The local nonprofit organization has been awarded a ,000 grant from the Haile Foundation, which will significantly bolster its rent and utility assistance program.
This funding comes at a critical time as many households grapple with financial instability. Derrick VandeWeg, the advancement and communications associate at St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, expressed the importance of this grant for the community. “We have grant funding like the Haile Foundation that allows us to directly help people in our community who call us. They’re looking for a lifeline—a way to stay afloat,” VandeWeg said. The organization has reported spending over million on assistance last year, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous fiscal year, and anticipates even higher expenditures in the coming year.
The challenges faced by families are not isolated incidents. According to national data sourced from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult without children in Kentucky needs to earn approximately .09 per hour to live comfortably. This figure starkly contrasts with the state’s minimum wage of .25 per hour, highlighting the difficulties residents face in maintaining financial stability.
John Ripberger, a dedicated volunteer at the Crescent Springs location, has seen firsthand the overwhelming need for assistance in the community. With seven years of experience, he connects families with vital resources such as rent, utilities, groceries, and clothing. “You help them, but then you have to walk away because it just affects you so much,” Ripberger remarked, emphasizing the emotional toll of the work.
St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky serves as a beacon of hope for many struggling residents. Through its support services, the organization aims to prevent homelessness and the accompanying stigma of eviction. “We’re doing everything we can to meet this need and help people in whatever way we can to keep them in their homes and together as a family,” VandeWeg stated.
Staying connected to the community is vital for Ripberger, who finds purpose in building relationships while assisting those in need. “The best part is the people I work with and being able to help others,” he reflected.
For individuals or families seeking assistance, St. Vincent de Paul encourages them to visit their official website or contact their help line at (859) 341-3219. Through their ongoing efforts supported by generous grants and the commitment of volunteers, the organization continues to play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of economic hardship in Northern Kentucky.