Third Community Market Opens at St. Leo’s
The Parish Engagement Program: Volunteers help setting up food at our newest community market at St. Leo’s Parish.
Community Markets expand to a third location to offer support in the downtown neighborhood
The Parish Engagement Program continues to expand services with the opening of the newest location at St. Leo the Great in June. It is the third parish site where Catholic Charities operates a weekly community outdoor market and service fair that is open to all who are seeking food and support to meet critical needs. St. Leo’s is modeled after the two other San Jose community markets at Our Lady of Refuge and Christ the King Parishes. Any family or individual can receive a warm meal provided by Loaves & Fishes, groceries from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and medical and mental health support from Gardner Health Services. Catholic Charities’ program staff is on site to provide immigration legal services, and guidance on rent assistance and accessing public benefits. Volunteers assist market visitors, and help set up and stock food. “After surveying almost 200 households in this community, it is clear that there is a great need in downtown San Jose and the Sunol Midtown Neighborhood,” said Fr. Jon Pedigo, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement. “The pandemic heightened economic disparities in developing neighborhoods and we are determined to support those who are most in need so that they can stay in the neighborhoods that they know and love.