Click on the video below to view the press conference in its entirety
Many Rhode Islanders, faced with the rising cost of gasoline, cannot afford to drive to work or keep important appointments and have turned to the Diocese of Providence for help. Public transit is one viable option, using the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s extensive network that links many communities throughout the state.
On June 11, on the steps of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin and Alfred J. Moscola, general manager of RIPTA, announced the launch of the Catholic Charity Fund RIPTIKS program, a new initiative sponsored by the Diocese of Providence to help Rhode Island residents in need who are struggling to cope with the constantly rising cost of gasoline.
According to AAA Southern New England, a gallon of regular gasoline cost $4.094 on June 12, compared to $3.017 a year ago.
Thanks to a $17,500 grant provided by the diocesan Catholic Charity Fund, the diocese has purchased 1,166 RIPTIK booklets, each worth $15.00, that are being distributed free of charge to residents who can demonstrate a need for assistance. The booklets are available through the diocesan Office of Community Services and Advocacy and its satellite offices.
RIPTIKS are sold in books of 10 tickets, with each ticket good for a one-way continuous trip anywhere in the state served by RIPTA. The booklets purchased by the diocese are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash. The RIPTIK booklets were purchased at the new fare rate, set to go into effect on July 1.
“We are all well aware that the high cost of gasoline has created a very substantial financial burden for many Rhode Islanders, especially those of limited means,” said Bishop Tobin, adding that the rising cost of food, increasing unemployment and an expected decrease in social services are placing additional burdens on those already struggling or unable to make ends meet.
“All of these factors present real and imminent challenges for many individuals and families in our state,” the bishop continued. “In times of need, many people turn to the Catholic Church seeking whatever assistance we can offer them.”
Bishop Tobin added that the RIPTIK program was established when he became aware of the needs in the community and after discussion with diocesan staff, some of whom reported hearing pleas from people seeking assistance to help pay for gasoline.
The bishop noted that while the new program will not solve the burgeoning problem, it will provide some relief for those in need of assistance.
“This program is one of the many tangible examples of how the Catholic Charity Fund and the Diocese of Providence is making a real difference in the everyday lives of Rhode Islanders,” Bishop Tobin concluded.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this new program funded through the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal,” said Moscola, adding that RIPTA has paid up to $4.31 a gallon for diesel fuel in recent weeks, and the transit authority’s buses only get 3-5 miles a gallon, depending on the age of the vehicle.
Moscola noted that the rising cost of gasoline is also affecting the price of anything that is shipped by truck, such as food, as well as anything made with petroleum as an ingredient.
Munoz said she will use the RIPTIK provided her to travel to interviews and supermarkets.
“I just can’t stretch the gas,” she lamented, adding that many of her friends are in the same situation, One friend recently ran out of gas late at night on the way home from work because she had no money to purchase more.
“The price of gasoline is very high, and it’s getting very hard for us to live a normal life when all of our income is going for gas and you live paycheck to paycheck, said Munoz, who added that she recently sent out about 100 resumes, and now, with the RIPTIK booklet, can now schedule more interviews.
For more information about the RIPTIK program, call 421-7833, ext. 107.
The diocese has established a special page on its Web site at : www.dioceseofprovidence,org/RIPTIKS. The page includes helpful information such as frequently asked questions, satellite locations, a downloadable application form and contact information.
For those who would like to support the Catholic Charity Fund, the site includes information about how to support this program and other charitable efforts of the Diocese of Providence.
Tickets still available
PROVIDENCE — The response to the Catholic Charity RIPTIKS Program has been steady since news of Bishop Tobin’s new initiative was announced on June 11 in statewide media.
According to John Barry, diocesan secretary for Social Ministry, there were lines outside the doors of the Office of Community Services and Advocacy in Providence, and the Woonsocket satellite office, located in the basement of St. Charles Borromeo Church, on Thursday morning. He added that 134 RIPTIK booklets were distributed on Thursday and Friday: 100 in Providence; 22 in Woonsocket; 10 in West Warwick, and one each at the South County and Project Hope/Projecto Esperanza offices.
“Obviously it’s responding to a real need,” said Barry. We probably won’t have many booklets left at the end of July.”
Brenda Fay, coordinator of the South County satellite office, said she has been calling other social service agencies to inform them about the new program and the availability of the RIPTIKS booklets.
“The idea is wonderful and the people seem glad about the program,” said Fay. “I’m ready to help them.”
–Brian J. Lowney
Diocese of Providence Satellite Offices • Diocese of Providence Office of Community Services and Advocacy 184 Broad Street, Providence Tel. (401) 421-7833 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. • South County Satellite St. Francis of Assisi Church basement 114 High Street, Wakefield (401) 783-3149 Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. • West Warwick Satellite 1289 Main Street, West Warwick (401) 823-6211 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. • Woonsocket Satellite St. Charles Borromeo Church 190 North Main Street, Woonsocket (401) 762-2849 Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. •Project Hope/Proyecto Esperanza 474 Broadway, Pawtucket (401) 728-0515 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
