Catholic Charities USA Marks 5-Year Anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

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Aug 19, 2010, 09:48 ET

Major report outlines relief and recovery services provided to over 1.2 million people

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA, the 100-year-old social service network working to reduce poverty in America, today released "Katrina & Rita: Five Years Later," a report outlining the work of the Catholic Charities network as it responded to the life-sustaining needs of over 1.2 million people following the largest natural disaster in U.S. history.

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The report, which can be downloaded at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org, describes Catholic Charities' sudden 2005 role as an early responder, providing survivors with emergency cash and rental assistance, food, medical supplies, crisis counseling, case management, transportation, temporary housing and employment services, as well as assistance in applying for government aid.

"For as long as the need remains, Catholic Charities is committed to rebuilding better communities, helping families become self-sufficient, and ultimately, creating a better tomorrow," said Rev. Larry Snyder, who began his tenure as president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA just months before the disaster. "While we are very proud of our accomplishments, there remains much work to be done and the Gulf oil spill earlier this summer has only exacerbated things in much of the very same area."

Local Catholic Charities agencies in over 30 states responded to the crisis. Of the $163 million raised by Catholic Charities USA, over $153 million went directly to agencies in the immediately impacted area, with over $116 million going to agencies in Louisiana. The remaining funds were distributed to agencies across the country providing support to evacuees.

Nationally, Catholic Charities USA's response efforts included widespread media outreach, enhanced collaboration with new and existing partner organizations, and testimony before a Senate committee chaired by Senator Hillary Clinton. Following its well-documented provision of disaster services in the aftermath of Katrina, Gustav and Ike, in 2009 Catholic Charities USA was selected by the government to provide disaster case management nationwide.

The report also underscores Catholic Charities USA's commitment to reduce poverty in America. "Prior to Katrina and Rita, we knew that poverty in America needed to be addressed. After them, we realized that the time is now," said Fr. Snyder. "As Catholic Charities USA moves into its second century of service, we will continue to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first, in times of disaster and peace, with compassion and respect."

In September, Catholic Charities USA will celebrate its Centennial anniversary by bringing over 1,000 representatives from local Catholic Charities agencies and partner organizations as well as national speakers and experts on social issues to Washington, DC, for a 4-day gathering focusing on the solutions to poverty in America.

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 "to bring about a sense of solidarity" among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has encouraged professional social work practice, provided opportunities for training and networking, and served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The Centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 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. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA