The Baltimore Ravens and the Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation have donated $5 million to Catholic Charities of Baltimore as the organization works to meet the increased demand for its services amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“These programs play an essential role in uplifting our communities,” Stephen Bisciotti said in a statement. “Now, more than ever, it’s critically important to invest in the well-being and development of those who need it most. Our hope is that we can help make a positive impact that will be felt by many.”
Bisciotti, a Catholic Charities board member since 2004, has frequently supported Baltimore charities during his time as owner of the Baltimore Ravens.
The donation will also go towards addressing racial justice issues, which have risen to prominence this year after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other people of color at the hands of police.
The donations will benefit Catholic Charities programs including Head Start and Early Head Start, Our Daily Bread Employment Center, Christopher Place, My Sister’s Place, Sarah’s House, My Brother’s Keeper, St. Vincent’s Villa Senior Communities and Villa Maria Community Resources.
Although the Ravens organization called the gift a “long-term investment” in the community, the team acknowledged that the money will be needed to help the region recover from the effects of the pandemic.
The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has caused millions of people across the country to lose their jobs, often in low-wage industries such as food-service and tourism. Millions are turning to food banks and other charities to help feed their families.
People also worry about a flood of evictions and increased homelessness if temporary protections now in place preventing eviction lapse. Meanwhile, providing services for the homeless has also been complicated by precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“We are profoundly grateful for the generosity and trust that Steve and Renee Bisciotti, their family and the Baltimore Ravens have shown in us,” William J. McCarthy Jr., executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore, said in a statement. This community is home to all of us, and together, we are committed to serving in ways that honor each person’s dignity with compassion today and every day.”
Email Tim Swift at tswift@catholicreview.org
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