Catholic Charities Stands Ready to Address Immediate Community Needs Left by Hurricane Sandy

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Oct 30, 2012, 01:47 ET

Local Agencies Able to Assess and Provide Resources in Aftermath of Storm

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nation's largest disaster response organizations, reported today that a major assessment of the impact and needs created by Hurricane Sandy is well underway, and that immediate service is being provided in partnership with other disaster organizations and state and local governments along the East coast.

Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA said, "We are the people on the ground before, during and long-after a disaster strikes, which puts us in a unique position to really understand a community's needs and makes us an invaluable asset to first responders and our partners."

CCUSA is receiving regular reports and updates from its agencies in New York, New Jersey, and all the way down the East coast—all of whom have been prepared for Sandy and stand ready in partnership with other responding agencies and local authorities to provide immediate relief and shelter to all impacted individuals and families. They will continue to do so until the lives of these individuals return to normal.

Samuel Chambers, Senior Vice President of CCUSA's Disaster Response Operations said, "Many of these areas were also severely impacted by Hurricane Irene 1 year ago. Emotional & Spiritual Care will play a large role in the response and recovery phases."

Since Hurricane Katrina, Catholic Charities USA and its network of agencies across the country has helped thousands of families recover from disasters, first as an early responder to the immediate needs and later helping people rebuild their lives. Relief and recovery services are provided at the local level by Catholic Charities agencies that provide critical services including emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and support. These services are provided regardless of religion, race, creed, or socio-economic status.

To support our efforts and help restore desperately needed hope, please call 800-919-9338 or visit our website at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org to see how you can help.

For regular updates, you can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA