Agency Seeks New Home in Moorpark

Catholic Charities has consolidated its operations in the wake of a Memorial Day fire that gutted its Moorpark facility.

The nonprofit organization will temporarily run all operations out of its office in Ventura until a permanent home can be found in eastern Ventura County, said executive director Mary Ann DeCaen.

“Donations designated for east county should be sent to the Ventura office until a permanent Moorpark facility is secured,” DeCaen said.

The agency is part of the larger Catholic Charities of Greater Los Angeles County, but DeCaen said donations from Ventura County are used to help individuals and families within this area.

The agency currently needs donations of personal hygiene products, clothing, blankets and food for the homeless. Monetary donations are also welcome.

DeCaen said community members wishing to donate nonperishable food or clean or mended clothing for the homeless are welcome to bring it to the Ventura Avenue office.

Along with the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities has among the lowest administrative overhead costs of any nonprofit organizations in the nation, enabling it to invest a larger percentage of its resources in social services that benefit the community, according to DeCaen.

She said she hopes that one day, the nonprofit agency is financially able to establish a campground for low-income families who cannot afford rent, and an emergency homeless shelter.

For more information about Catholic Charities, contact DeCaen at 643-4694.