SISTER STORY
Volunteer Barbara Novosel packages breakfast foods for distribution.
Intersection clients pick up bags of food at the center through an open door.
intersection ministry
continues spirit of service
Sister Bonnie Heh | Sisters of Mercy
The Intersection, Inc., was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in McKeesport, Pa., in 1972 and continues today to be operated in Catherine McAuley’s spirit of compassionate service.
Brenda Rodgers, a volunteer, readies bags of food for clients.
We have maintained our programs but tailored them to comply with safety precautions during this pandemic. We no longer serve hot meals in our dining room, but we continue to provide bagged lunches for our guests. This involves purchasing brown bags, sandwich buns, meat, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, condiment packs, fresh fruit, Jell-O, pudding or applesauce, a small drink or bottled water, chips, cookies or candy. Sometimes, we need small containers with lids for salads and dressings, hot soup or vegetables. Of course, we continue to provide utensils and napkins.
Our food pantry program continues with prepared bags that people can pick up at our door, or we can deliver to their homes. Delivery service has increased! We consulted with our families about the foods they were most in need of, resulting in changes to our pre-packed bags. We no longer include canned goods. Instead, we increased the amount of meat and fresh vegetables and fruit. Depending on the size of the family, we increased the number of eggs, cartons of milk and boxes of cereal. We also prepare a separate bag with personal hygiene items, paper products and cleaning supplies.
The individual support program continues. Requests for bus tickets have decreased but inquiries regarding help with utilities and rent continue to overwhelm us. While there is some government help for rent, the application process is complex and burdensome, especially for people who do not have access to computers.
The Intersection is funded by grants and personal generosity. This year, McAuley Ministries contributed two COVID-19 grants totaling $25,000 for emergency operational support. The Sisters of Mercy New York Pennsylvania West distributed COVID-19 emergency funds to each of the four areas; the Pittsburgh area grant came to The Intersection. Also, the emergency fund of the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh helped some individuals and families in the McKeesport area with rent subsidies to avoid evictions.
In this year of extraordinary hardship, The Intersection continues its service in the spirit of Catherine McAuley.
Sister Bonnie Heh serves as finance director for The Intersection, Inc., in McKeesport, Pa.