Disaster Case Management
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach stand's ready to activate this program when there is a need in our service area. Nationally, our network connection to Catholic Charities USA provides us expertise in disaster recovery and we are committed to this cause. Catholic Charities participates with the various Long-Term Recovery Group's operating in each of the 5 counties within our service area. Should our diocese suffer a natural disaster severe enough to warrant an emergency declaration, we will re-activate this program to serve our community in a time of need.
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 responded to requests for housing and basic needs and worked with our extensive network to harness supports and resources to serve our community."
Services provided when activated include:
- Completing disaster assessment/needs identification
- Temporary housing - hotel stays
- Rent/mortgage assistance
- Homeowners insurance deductible assistance
- Small home repair assistance
- Food/clothing/gift cards
- Disaster prevention and recovery supplies
- Recovery planning
- Referrals for mental health/trauma assistance
- Navigation of FEMA application and appeals process/SBA Loan applications
- Furniture and appliance replacement - damaged in the disaster
- Transportation Assistance
Email disasterrecovery@ccdpb.org.
Program Status: Deactivated
Previous Activations:
In October 2024, Catholic Charities activated our disaster recovery services in response to loss and damage within our 5-county diocese caused by Hurricane's Helene and Milton. We employed two temporary full-time disaster case managers. Services remained activated until all negatively impacted from the tornados secured services needed and program funding was exhausted. The program deactivated in July 2026 after almost 2 years.
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.
In 2017, Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery Program activated when Hurricane Irma hit our service area. After two years, Catholic Charities closed the program due to allocated funds being exhausted.
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.
