In the aftermath of the November 2026 plane crash in Palm Beach County, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach has partnered with the People First Fund, a disaster relief initiative administered by the Emergency Assistance Foundation, Inc., to provide direct financial assistance to individuals displaced by the tragedy.
Through this partnership, 18 individuals will receive $1,000 each to help address immediate financial needs resulting from the disaster. The assistance is intended to provide some relief as those affected navigate the unexpected challenges and disruption caused by displacement from their homes.
Catholic Charities will serve as the local community partner, conducting outreach, verifying individuals impacted by the incident, and coordinating the vetting and eligibility determination process to identify those who qualify for assistance.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to responding to the needs of individuals and families during times of crisis, connecting those affected with resources that can help them begin to recover and move forward.
Carol Rodriguez, who Directs Catholic Charities disaster recovery efforts, explains "At Catholic Charities, we recognize that recovering from a disaster involves more than addressing the immediate emergency. Financial assistance can make a meaningful difference for individuals facing unexpected expenses and uncertainty. We are grateful to the People First Fund and the Emergency Assistance Foundation for partnering with us to bring this support to members of our community during a difficult time."
Catholic Charities remains committed to serving individuals and families throughout the five-county Diocese of Palm Beach, working alongside community partners to bring help, compassion and hope when it is needed most.
