Catholic Charities Housing

Family provides good option for low-income residents

 

 

Arcadia—After decades of hard labor as a farm worker in DeSoto County, Fidel Arias was finally able to provide his wife and six children with a safe and comfortable home.

 

Five years ago, through a partnership with the Outreach Committee of St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota, the Florida West Coast Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, and Catholic Charities Housing a home was built, furnished and given to the Arias family.

 

Through the Catholic Charities Housing Program, the home has been used as a model to show other low-income families a viable and affordable alternative to unsafe, dilapidated mobile homes and trailers. The home also is hurricane resistant and energy efficient.

 

When the Arias family was handed the keys to their new home five years ago, Dolores Arias, Fidel’s wife, said “My heart is full of joy. I am happy that my children will have a nice, safe place to live.”

 

Since then the family has paid a monthly fee that has been put aside into an escrow account and the St. Thomas More Outreach Committee has paid the insurance and taxes for the home. “The family is now ready to take over the home,” said George Forcier, chairperson of the outreach committee. “They have taken excellent care of their home and the family is a credit to their neighborhood. The money in the escrow account will be used to help them transition into home ownership.”

 

The title of ownership was given to the Arias family during a special ceremony recently at the home. Reverend Donald Henry, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, blessed the dwelling. “The outpouring of support from St. Thomas More Parish has always been so generous over the years. This celebration today is because of them,” Rev. Henry said.

 

St. Thomas More Parish adopted the community of Arcadia several years ago and has assisted Catholic Charities of DeSoto County year round with volunteer support, contributions of food and clothing, and toys and special treats during the holiday season. “The relationship we have with the people of Arcadia has really brought our parish closer together. It has been a beautiful experience and today is one of many of those rewarding moments,” Rev. Henry said.

 

“The St. Thomas More Outreach Committee is thrilled for the Arias family to be the official homeowners,” Forcier said. “They have been a wonderful example to other families who might otherwise not be able to afford a traditional home. They have been gracious all these years to show their home to the community.”

 

For more information about Catholic Charities of DeSoto County, please call 863-494-1068.

 

Photo: Reverend Donald Henry (left to right) with Dolores, Christian, Marsella, Vannessa, Fidel and Jose Arias.