Disaster Relief & Recovery Services

Often the general perception from those not directly impacted by a local disaster is that once the shelters are closed, the fires are put out, and the news media has gone home, then we can breath a sigh of relief because the disaster is ‘over’. But for Catholic Charities the work is just beginning.

A ‘second wave’ of assistance is always required to help families, whose homes were destroyed or damaged or who may have lost their jobs, transition from short-term crises to long-term stability. Catholic Charities niche in disaster response is to address the needs of the community’s most vulnerable populations and filling in the gaps in service.

Following a local disaster, Catholic Charities stands ready to assist evacuated families make the transition from their evacuation locations—shelters, private residences, hotels, RVs, and parks—back into their homes or other temporary housing. These are often families with the least resources and will have the most difficulty recovering after a disaster.

Catholic Charities provides vital services and support, such as food, store vouchers, housing and utility assistance, medicine, counseling, assistance with FEMA applications and other resources. The goal is to do whatever is necessary and possible so families can reclaim their lives by working closely with families to help them develop their personal recovery plans and access services and resources.

Catholic Charities assisted thousands of families following 2003 Wildfires, Katrina Evacuees to our region, and most recently, 2007 Wildfires.

Disaster Relief