Holy Trinity DAI: Year-End Summary and Appeal 

Like other non-profits this year, Dallas Area Interfaith invites you to donate before the end of the year to take advantage of a COVID tax break. As part of the Coronavirus Relief Act, taxpayers who itemize can deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income for cash donations made before the end of 2020 to qualifying religious, charitable entities. Visit www.dai-iaf.org to donate. 

To stimulate your generosity, here is a summary of DAI’s response to the challenges of 2020 and the work of Holy Trinity DAI leaders. 

Pandemic: DAI had to pivot from its 2020 agenda to address the immediate needs of countless families in the Dallas area. DAI partnered with Catholic Charities to distribute food at member churches and institutions. From April through October, Holy Trinity DAI leaders organized nine food distributions assisting 1,263 families!  We estimate that we distributed more than $50,000 worth of food and provided surplus food to the Holy Trinity Center after most monthly drives. DAI lobbied City and County leaders get COVID testing to neighborhoods that need it most and succeeded in getting parish IDs accepted for COVID testing for persons lacking a state ID. 

Rental Assistance & Eviction Stoppage: DAI partnered with city-chosen nonprofits such as Catholic Charities and helped those suddenly out of work to seek rent and utility assistance. Holy Trinity DAI leaders made and received countless phone calls and helped those unfamiliar with the internet to negotiate online applications for services. DAI and its sister organizations statewide continue to connect with Texas representatives and city officials to get relief for those most in need.

Census: DAI partnered with the US Census Office to increase responses from typically undercounted populations. Holy Trinity DAI focused on the minority neighborhoods in our 75219 Zip Code. 

2020 Election and Voter Turnout: In October, DAI hosted a forum with the candidates for six Texas House District races in the Dallas area--hundreds attended remotely. We were able to hear where candidates stood on a variety of issues that are important to the communities we serve. DAI worked to increase turnout through the Get Out the Vote effort for the November elections. Holy Trinity DAI team members made over 500 phone calls to people identified as low propensity voters. 

FII Grant:  In November, DAI obtained a $90,000 grant from the non-profit Family Independence Initiative to help immigrant families. At Holy Trinity, the same DAI team that worked on the food distribution phone calls identified 20 families to receive a $500 grant from the FII funds. 

Holy Trinity has been a member of DAI for over 20 years, and 2020 has been one the most challenging years ever. As this challenging year ends, we are grateful that our DAI team was always ready to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need. We thank all our parishioners for your generosity and support.