Adamus: "Thank you to all our donors who make this vital work possible"
The Catholic church donated more than £900,000 over the past year to people in need across the capital, including homeless people, migrants and refugees.
The St John Southworth Fund awarded 96 grants, worth a total of £905,000, from April 2009 to March 2010, according to the charity's annual report published in early July.
The fund was set up by the Diocese of Westminster to provide support for homeless people, migrants and refugees, children, youth education, disabled people, elderly people and other projects.
Since it was established in December 2007, it has awarded more than £1.2 million to projects and individuals throughout Greater London.
In 2009/2010 this included 86 standard grants worth £347,807 and 10 large grants totalling £555,619.
The St John Southworth Fund is administrated by the pastoral affairs department for the Diocese of Westminster.
The director of pastoral affairs Edmund Adamus said: "I am delighted that the St John Southworth Fund continues to help those most in need in London.
"Thank you to all our donors who make this vital work possible.
"We feel that supporting the smaller works that are at the heart of each community are the things that have the biggest impact on society.
"We are very pleased that over 2009-2010 we have facilitated the award of larger grants, responding to the increased needs arising from the economic downturn. I very much hope that the work will continue over 2011."
Organisations that received funding included Our Lady of Hal church in Camden Town, which was given £10,000 towards a night shelter and facilities for the homeless.
The Cardinal Hume Centre was also awarded £10,000 for its advice service for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, and £4,900 was given to Bromley Welcare for its Family Support Work project.
The St John Southworth Fund supports the work of parishes, organisations or individuals across a range of issues including poverty, old age and infirmity, homelessness and children with disabilities or who are in danger of deprivation. Funds are available to provide help to the poor and needy in 33 London boroughs. For more information visit www.rcdow.org.uk.
By Emma Foster, Community Newswire
