Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap is the social services program of Catholic Charities of Lexington that serves individuals and families across the 50 counties within our diocese. Through Bridging the Gap, we provide essential emergency financial assistance for utilities, ensuring that families can retain access to utilities.
For clients able to travel to our office, Bridging the Gap also offers access to Mary’s Closet, an on-site “pantry” of emergency supplies to help alleviate immediate hardships. Items kept in stock include toiletries, personal hygiene products, cleaning products, baby diapers and baby wipes. We also provide seasonal weather related items such as hand warmers and emergency blankets to members of our community who are experiencing homelessness.
Bridging the Gap is an income restricted program that provides emergency financial assistance on a first come, first served basis. Assistance offered at any given time may vary and is subject to change without notice. Individuals seeking assistance should contact our office directly to complete a pre-screening over the phone to determine if they are eligible for assistance. If eligible, applicants will be scheduled for a mandatory intake appointment where they will meet with a caseworker and provide documentation supporting their assistance request. It should be noted that these are just the first steps of the application process and completing these steps does not guarantee that you will receive financial assistance. Once all documents have been received, the minimum processing time for an application is 3 to 5 business days, though some requests may take longer. Until you receive confirmation that Catholic Charities has made a pledge to pay your balance with your utility company, we strongly recommend that you continue to seek assistance from other organizations, especially if your request is time-sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Payment of Utilities
- Toiletries and Personal Hygiene Items
- Grocery Cards
- Lextran Passes
Bridging the Gap DOES NOT offer assistance with the following:
- Clothing
- Food or Groceries
- Furniture
- Hotel Vouchers
- Gas Cards
- Car repairs
- Funeral costs
- Medical expenses
- Long-distance travel expenses (flights, Grayhound bus rides, etc.)
If you are in need of help with something shown here, please visit our Resources page for a list of organizations that may be able to assist.
- Electricity: $250 maximum
- Gas: $200 maximum
- Waste / LEXserv: $200 maximum
- Water: $50 minimum, $250 maximum
- Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance: Appointment Required
- Intake appointments are done each week on Monday’s and Tuesday’s
- Most clients will be required to attend their appointment in person at our office. However, phone or Zoom appointments are offered for those who live outside of Fayette County and for individuals with medical conditions which limit their mobility.
- Please contact us at 859-253-3339 to schedule an appointment.
- Items from Mary’s Closet: Appointment Required
- This includes toiletries, personal hygiene products, cleaning products, baby diapers and wipes, and seasonal weather related items like hand warmers and emergency blankets.
- Please contact us at 859-253-3339 to schedule an appointment.
Preparing for Your Appointment
- A current, non-expired, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, ID card, or passport)
- Name, date of birth, and social security numbers of all household members
- Proof of income or government assistance from the past 30 days (paystubs, award letter, etc.)
- A current copy if the utility bill(s) that you are needing assistance with
Note: Applications are processed on a case-by-case basis and once processed, some requests may require additional documentation. Your case worker will let you know if any additional information is needed.
To serve as many people as possible, it is critical that we adhere to our appointment schedule. Clients who are late to their appointment by any amount of time will be asked to reschedule. If you are unable to attend your appointment on-time, we kindly ask that you contact our office to reschedule.