YOUNGSTOWN — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown is calling upon Catholics and the community at large to support a collection to provide winter utility assistance to individuals and families in need.

Jennifer Lucarelli, Catholic Charities project manager, said as January’s Poverty Awareness Month concludes, Catholic Charities is sponsoring the annual Warm Hearts for Warm Homes campaign (formerly Keep the Kids Warm) through Jan. 30.

She said the effort raises money to help families with children, working poor adults and older adults on fixed incomes with utility assistance during the cold winter months.

More than 175,000 people are living in poverty in the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown, Lucarelli said.

Catholic Charities serves all people, as resources allow, regardless of their faith, she said.

Since its inception in 2008, the Warm Hearts for Warm Homes campaign has raised more than $469,000 for utility assistance for individuals and families in crisis, impacting the lives of more than 60,000 people.

As the need for utility assistance continues to rise, Catholic Charities asks for support. Donations can be sent to Catholic Charities, Warm Hearts for Warm Homes, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown 44503. Donations can also be made securely online at www.ccdoy.org.