Hurricane Katrina: Catholic Charities Respond

(2005-09-06)

As the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina continues to take its toll along the Gulf Coast, Catholic Charities agencies from around the affected region are actively responding to those in need. Catholic Charities agencies are working to meet the immediate needs of refugees, as well as planning for the process of providing assistance for long-term recovery efforts. Catholic Charities agencies in the impacted area also continue to assess the extent of the damage and work with other relief organizations to respond.

In addition to providing emergency services to refugees, Catholic Charities agencies will provide assistance that will help hurricane victims and communities recover in the long-term. While Katrina's damage is still being evaluated, based on past disasters, the long-term services that Catholic Charities may provide include temporary and permanent housing, mental health counseling, direct assistance beyond food and water to get people back into their homes, job placement counseling, and medical and prescription drug assistance.

Snapshot of Local Catholic Charities at Work:

* Catholic Community Services of Baton Rouge has implemented its disaster response plan. They have trained volunteers in place in parishes that will be providing emergency assistance to those in need, and have begun refugee assistance efforts.

* Because of the conditions in New Orleans, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans had to evacuate. Staff is operating out of the offices of Catholic Community Services of Baton Rouge to coordinate response efforts.

* Teams from the Catholic Charities agencies in Florida and the Florida Catholic Conference are already providing advice and guidance to agencies in the impacted areas. These teams will be going to Mississippi and Louisiana next week to start proving technical assistance on the frontlines.

* Catholic Charities in Memphis is just one of the local Catholic Charities agencies working with other groups in the community to assist the thousands of people who have come to Memphis for refuge. The agency is currently working on making housing arrangements in one of its facilities for families to stay as long as needed. They anticipate providing housing, clothing, food, counseling for 100 to 150 people.

* Recovery work is underway in Dade County, FA, where Katrina caused extensive flooding when it struck there last week. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami has already distributed a large load of baby items, food, and other supplies to victims. Other aid that they will be providing includes assistance with food, shelter, rent, medicine, utilities, and mental health counseling.

Catholic Charities USA: Providing Help. Creating Hope

To help communities recover from the damage brought on by Hurricane Katrina, Catholic Charities USA is collecting financial donations that will fund local agencies' emergency and long-term disaster recovery efforts. Catholic Charities is working hard to raise the money that will be needed over the next three to five years to rebuild these communities and help people get back on their feet, emotionally and financially.

How you can help:

Unfortunately, Catholic Charities USA is unable to accept contributions of food, clothing, blankets and other relief supplies. Monetary donations will be used to provide for the emergency relief and long-term recovery of Katrina's victims.

About the Disaster Response Office

Catholic Charities USA, which has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster, responds with emergency and long-term assistance as needed. Its Disaster Response Office connects the Church's social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation.

Emergency Fund Request Form
Disaster Response Office

catholiccharitiesusa.org