Alexandria, Va. – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), one of the nation’s largest networks of social service providers and disaster operations networks, announced today it has awarded $8.4 million in grants to 24 Catholic Charities member agencies across the country to assist vulnerable populations affected by a disaster. The grants will go directly towards helping meet their long-term needs, preserve and promote human dignity, and help communities rebuild after a natural or man-made disaster.
“The upcoming Katrina anniversary and the fact that thousands are still working tirelessly to recover from its impact are powerful reminders that it often takes years to recover from a disaster,” said Maria J. Vorel, CCUSA’s Sr. Vice President of Disaster Operations. “Entrenched in communities, Catholic Charities agencies from Guam to Maine help the most vulnerable recover from disasters and also navigate their everyday emergencies throughout the year,” Vorel added, “It is thanks to the generosity of people from all walks of life that we are able to serve the longer-term needs of communities served by Catholic Charities agencies through disaster response and recovery projects.”
These grants represent funds collected over the past several years from individuals throughout the U.S. in disaster-related collections sponsored primarily by CCUSA and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. CCUSA awarded grants to Catholic Charities agencies in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma and Texas.
The recent surge in severe weather across the country is a tragic reminder of the deadly impact of disasters. While disasters affect individuals from every socioeconomic status, the poor and vulnerable served by Catholic Charities agencies are disproportionately affected. Beginning with Hurricane Katrina, CCUSA has helped tens of thousands of individuals and families recover from disasters – first as an early-responder to meet their immediate needs and later by helping them rebuild their lives.
As a national network, CCUSA draws upon resources from across the country to help all people-regardless of background or religious beliefs-by providing help and hope with dignity and compassion.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, Catholic Charities is able to serve those with unmet disaster needs, those impacted by the many disasters not declared as eligible for assistance by the federal government and those whose needs are greater than the limited assistance provided by a Presidential declaration.
Latest News
