When a tornado related to Hurricane Milton tore through Martin County in October 2024, 66-year-old Maggie’s home was left severely damaged and declared unlivable due to safety concerns. With nowhere else to turn, she was displaced and forced to live in a hotel for over nine months. Because of her health conditions, she couldn’t leave the hotel on her own, making an already difficult situation even more isolating.
After many long months of uncertainty, Maggie’s insurance finally approved a temporary unit where she could move. But when she arrived, the unit was completely unfurnished. She had a roof over her head again, but no bed to sleep in, no towels, no pots to cook with—nothing that could make her space feel like a home.
During a regular follow-up call, Maggie shared this struggle. Immediately, Catholic Charities Disaster Case Manager, Maria Melo, asked how we could help. Maggie’s request was simple: just a few basic household goods to make her new space livable. Thanks to the generosity of our St. Francis Catholic Church Bazaar in Riviera Beach, Catholic Charities was able to provide her with linens, cookware, hygiene items, food, and gift cards—all delivered right to her door.
When she received these items, Maggie was overwhelmed with gratitude, shedding tears of joy and blessing Catholic Charities for the love and support she had received.
But our help did not end there. Understanding the financial strain she was still under—paying her mortgage each month on an uninhabitable home—Catholic Charities also stepped in to cover a second month of her mortgage, thanks to a grant from Catholic Charities USA. This support allowed her to stretch her limited Social Security income to purchase additional necessities for her new temporary residence.
Although Maggie’s journey to recovery is not yet complete, she now feels hopeful and supported, no longer facing her struggles alone. Catholic Charities will continue to walk alongside her—and so many others—on the path to rebuilding after disaster.
