MEMORANDUM

TO:  All Pastors
FROM:  Monsignor Mahoney 
DATE:  August 27, 2019 
RE: Straight & Narrow - How You Can Help
  
This past Saturday, 410 Straight Street, one of the major buildings for Straight and Narrow, Catholic Charities in Paterson, was engulfed in flames.  A small blaze quickly turned into a five-alarm fire.  The Paterson Fire Department and several local fire departments bravely fought this fire for 24 hours.  Miraculously, no staff or clients were hurt.
 
200 individuals from Straight and Narrow were evacuated and displaced.  Persons receiving treatment were moved to places where they can continue to receive treatment.
 
The 410 building included a women's counseling office, a 50-bed men's halfway house, and storage of in-kind donations, including men's, women's, and children's clothing; toiletries; children's toys and other items.
 
Thankfully, the neighboring building at 396 Straight Street was not damaged.  That building houses all the residential treatment for men and women and Straight and Narrow's detox hospital unit.  The individuals who use this program have already returned to receive the help they need.
 
It will take time to rebuild, but Straight and Narrow will continue helping those in recovery during and long after the rebuilding process.
 
Many parishes have reached out to see how they can help.  Many questions have been raised about helping in the recovery efforts.  Here is how you can answer their questions:
 
Monetary Donations to the Bishop's Annual Appeal
As befitting our mission of outreach to people in need in the Paterson Diocese, the Bishop's Annual Appeal helps support the rebuilding efforts of Straight and Narrow.  With this terrible fire that has further complicated the lives of those already struggling with often crippling personal issues, your generosity to the 2019 Bishop's Annual Appeal is needed now more than ever.  Parishioners across the Diocese are being asked to support the Appeal when it kicks off in the next two weeks.  Contributions can also be made on-line now at www.2019appeal.org.
 
Tim Potter will provide you with further information about how the Appeal will be in the forefront of assisting Straight and Narrow.  You will receive an announcement in the next day or so that can be put in your parish bulletin and/or read from the pulpit.
 
In-Kind Donations
The following new items can be dropped off at Catholic Charities Father English Center to benefit those at Straight and Narrow:  Men and women's casual clothes; cosmetics; toiletries; undergarments; shoes; belts; women's active wear; maternity clothing; baby items including diapers, wipes and clothing; gift cards to department stores or supermarkets; ponchos/rain wear and umbrellas.
 
Drop off location:
Father English Center
435 Main Street
Paterson, NJ  07501
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
For more information, please call:  973-944-5992
 
Thank you for your continued support of those in need.

~Msgr. Jim Mahoney