The disaster response of Catholic Charities was established in 1990 with an agreement between the US Conference of Bishops and Catholic Charities USA to provide assistance with a disaster occurs.

Emergency Funding

This supplements immediate and short term response efforts at the local level. It focuses on emergency recovery needs not being met by other assistance providers in the first 30 days after the disaster.

Long term Recovery

This assists in providing for recovery efforts beyond the initial emergency. Eligible projects include staff or case management, vouchers for financial assistance, home repair, temporary housing, and equipment like generators and training for workers and volunteers.

Catastrophic Response

The Bishop would need to request a national appeal for assistance in his diocese. This is generally requested in exceptional situations.

Order of assistance in long term recovery

• Personal insurance
• Government assistance – FEMA
• Other church and disaster organizations
• Catholic Charities

Catholic Social Service can

• Work with you and other community contacts to assess the immediate needs (food, shelter, clothing)
• Contact the CCUSA Disaster Response office and disperse funds received
• Maintain all records of those assisted, use of funds and volunteers involved
• Attend local disaster recovery meetings
• Work with the Bishop’s office to determine the need for a diocesan or national appeal and can disperse those funds

When a disaster occurs