Disaster Recovery

Disaster Case Management

Catholic Charities has activated our disaster recovery services in response to loss and damage within our 5-county diocese caused by Hurricane's Helene and Milton in October of 2024.  Currently, we employ two temporary full-time disaster case managers.  We anticipate the services being activated until we can ensure all displaced from the tornados secure emergency housing. 

Catholic Charities CEO, Dr. Ellen T. Wayne, says: "Catholic Charities has extensive expertise in disaster response and recovery nationally.  We work to be immediately ready to respond to the communities we serve.  In the wake of Milton and its related tornados and flooding, our team is responding to requests for housing and basic needs and is working with our extensive network to harness supports and resources to serve our community today and in the weeks to follow."

Services provided include:

• Completing disaster assessment/needs identification
• Temporary housing
• Food/clothing/gift cards
• Recovery planning
• Referrals for mental health/trauma assistance
• Navigation of FEMA application process/SBA Loan applications
• Furniture replacement
• Transportation Assistance

To reach out for assistance, please call 561-578-9614 in Palm Beach and Martin, and 561-345-1810 for Indian River, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee; or email disasterrecovery@ccdpb.org.  

Click here for program flyer 
 

Program Status: Active

Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery Program was launched in 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit our service area.  After two years, Catholic Charities closed the program due to allocated funds being exhausted.  We stand ready to reopen this program when there is a need (national disaster declaration in our service area).

In 2022 and 2023, we provided assistance to both locally impacted Hurricane Ian victims (tornado in Kings Point/Delray Beach) and in sending needed support and supplies (primarily hygiene items) to our partners in the hardest hit areas on Florida's west coast.  We also provided assistance to households displaced due to a tornado touching down in North Palm Beach in April 2023.

Nationally, Catholic Charities USA has expertise in disaster recovery and we are committed to this cause. Catholic Charities participates with Palm Beach County Emergency Services on the Long-Term Recovery Group.  Should our diocese suffer a natural disaster severe enough to warrant an emergency declaration, we will re-launch this program to serve our community in a time of need.

Client Eligibility:

Helping individuals and families impacted by recent major disasters. Services are available to those living in the five county Diocese of Palm Beach, including, Palm Beach, Martin, St Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee.  Priority is given to those who are displaced from their home and lack the support of loved ones.  

FEMA Assistance

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA for Hurricane Milton expired January 7, 2025.  

SCAM Alert

For those who have applied to FEMA for disaster assistance, know that FEMA will never call you to find out if you have damage or not. Be aware of potential scammers that will take advantage of this situation trying to gather personal or bank information. If you have a doubt, call FEMA directly to verify.

Funding Partners: