Summer brings sunshine, celebrations and a slower pace for many of us. But for thousands of Oregonians, it also brings new challenges — from rising food costs and dangerous heat to disruptions in childcare, school meals and other vital supports.
In her June message, Catholic Charities of Oregon CEO Kaleen Deatherage reflects on what stability looks like during a season that can be especially difficult for our neighbors, and how our community continues to respond with compassion, dignity and hope.
Summer has officially arrived, bringing longer days, warmer weather and opportunities for rest, travel, and connection across our communities.
But for many of our neighbors, summer can also be a season when already fragile support systems become even more strained.
Children lose access to school meals and daily structure. Rising temperatures create dangerous conditions for people living outside. Families continue to navigate rising costs, shrinking benefits, and growing uncertainty around housing, food, and employment. Refugees face the challenges of building stability in an unfamiliar place while school schedules, childcare and seasonal work shifts create additional pressure. Women experiencing homelessness often face increased vulnerability and isolation during the summer months, even as public attention shifts elsewhere.
At Catholic Charities of Oregon, summer does not slow our work. In many ways, it intensifies it.
Every day across our programs, we see the power of stability. A hot meal. A safe place to shower and regroup. A bag of groceries. Immigration legal support during a confusing and frightening process. Help navigating employment, housing or community resources. Small moments of consistency that help people keep moving forward during difficult seasons.
This month, we are launching our Summer of Stability appeal. The campaign reflects something we witness every day. While circumstances may change, the need for compassion, dignity, and reliable support does not.
And neither does this community.
So much of what Catholic Charities is able to do throughout the year is possible because of people like you. Because of generous donors, volunteers, partners and supporters who continue to show up for their neighbors with care and compassion. Your support helps ensure that individuals and families experiencing hardship are not left to navigate these challenges alone.
In a time when many nonprofit organizations are facing increased demand alongside funding uncertainty, your partnership matters more than ever. Together, we continue to provide stability, connection and hope to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
As summer begins, thank you for walking alongside us in this work. Thank you for helping ensure that compassion remains constant, even during difficult seasons. Please make a donation today, or consider joining our community of monthly donors who help provide the stability these families need all year long.”
With gratitude,
Kaleen Deatherage
CEO, Catholic Charities of Oregon