Catholic Charities offers emergency financial assistance to people who are struggling with an economic need which can be solved with short-term help, such as disruption or loss of income, illness or death in the family that causes an economic hardship, or simply a family encountering difficulties trying to make ends meet. Financial assistance can be given for past due rent or utilities, or prescription needs. Other necessities such as food, maternity and pregnancy needs, emergency transportation and holiday food and gifts also are provided to those in need. Financial assistance is given only to people within the Diocese of Venice of Southwest Florida.