The biggest federal job-saving loans have been approved to save nearly 14,000 jobs in Blair County, according to figures from the Small Business Administration.

An audit of SBA spreadsheets of approved Paycheck Protection Program loans of $ 150,000 or more showed that the 240 loans approved in this category were designed to retain 13,780 jobs in Blair County.

Businesses, from sole proprietorships to corporations, as well as nonprofit and other entities could apply for repayable loans to help cover employees and other costs. Approved people can still opt out of the program.

Preserving jobs was the intention behind the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown which requested and received a loan of $ 350,000 to $ 1 million. For loans over $ 150,000, the SBA publishes the name of the beneficiary and a general range in which the loan falls. For loans under $ 150,000, the government publishes the exact loan amount but not the name of the beneficiary.

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and various parishes and schools in the diocese have applied for and received funding through the Paycheck Protection Program, Diocese spokesman Tony DeGol said in a report. email Friday night.

The email came in response to a question from the Mirror in hopes of including it in an Associated Press article in the Saturday-Sunday Mirror. This story noted how the Catholic Church nationwide benefited from at least $ 1.4 billion in PPP loans.

DeGol’s email was received but was not seen until the press started. His response was incorporated into the Mirror’s online story.

“The diocese, parishes and schools use all funds received from the program for salary expenses to keep essential workers employed so that we can continue the mission of the Church,” DeGol wrote.

SBA figures show that the Diocese’s PPP loan was designed to keep 58 people employed.

“In the first months of the pandemic, public masses were not celebrated and face-to-face classes in schools were canceled. Without parishioners in the pews, we did not know what to expect regarding a regular offering. We were also concerned that many families in financial difficulty would be unable to afford school fees. Most of the fundraisers that help support parishes and schools have also been cut short ”, DeGol wrote.

Two independent Catholic schools in Blair County have also received P3 loans. The Holy Trinity loan was to cover the payroll of 63 people, while Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School secured a loan to retain 38 staff.

DeGol wrote, “Whatever financial challenges we faced, we knew the good work of the Church had to continue. Our buildings weren’t open, but the church never closed. Priests celebrated private masses – many of which were broadcast on television or live; priests buried the dead and anointed the seriously ill; Catholic teaching continued virtually; and Catholic Charities has served individuals and families – especially those in need during these difficult times.

“In order for us to continue the ministry and mission of the Church, we need people, and we need to be able to pay these people so that they can earn a living. We are already operating with a very small staff, so every worker is essential. Thanks to the help of the PPP, we were able to fulfill our obligation to look after the spiritual well-being of our faithful, to educate our young people and to care for the needy and vulnerable among us, all at a time when this is necessary. most,” DeGol wrote.