When Disaster Strikes . . .

Catholic Charities is Here for You

The Catholic response to disasters in the United States is coordinated by Catholic Charities USA's Disaster Response Office which was established in 1990 through an agreement between the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA). In the event of a disaster, Catholic Charities works with local agencies, vendors and subcontractors to provide critical services such as emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and long-term support, regardless of faith, creed, race, or socio-economic status.

Because of CCUSA's quick and effective response after the September 11th terrorist attacks, and hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, Catholic Charities USA was awarded a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Administration for Children and Families (DHHS/ACF) in July 2009 to provide disaster case management services in the United States. The contract calls for CCUSA to organize and work in partnership with national, regional and local teams to provide rapid deployment following a disaster, and a single point of contact for affected individuals who need a wide variety of services through various organizations.

Local Disaster Response

Locally, Catholic Social Service (CSS) provided Disaster Response for individuals and families in Greensburg KS after an EF5 tornado leveled the rural town at 9:45 p.m. on May 4th, 2007. In less than 12 hours, CCUSA contacted CSS to offer guidance and support. Throughout the next days and months, CSS distributed close to half a million dollars to disaster-relief agencies in the area, and to individuals and families with needs that could not be addressed by existing disaster relief services. Over the next year, CSS continued to meet weekly with local agencies to coordinate the on-going disaster response.

Disaster Services in Southwest Kansas

In southwest Kansas, Catholic Social Service continues to stand ready to provide immediate and long-term assistance in the event of a disaster:

• Assessment - Catholic Social Service will work with individuals and community agencies to assess the immediate needs (e.g. food, shelter, clothing, etc.).
• Emergency Funding - Catholic Social Service will provide supplemental emergency funding to meet the immediate and short-term emergency recovery needs that are not being met by other assistance providers in the first 30 days after a disaster. To do this, Catholic Social Service will contact the CCUSA Disaster Response office, and work to distribute any funds received from the national office. Additionally, Catholic Social Service will maintain records of those assisted, what the funds were used for, and the volunteers involved.
• Catastrophic Response - In the event of an exceptional disaster situation calling for a catastrophic response, Catholic Social Service will work with the Bishop's office to determine the need for a diocesan or national appeal, and will then work to distribute those funds.
• Long-Term Recovery - Catholic Social Service will assist with Long-Term Recovery. After initial emergency needs are met, and other sources of financial assistance (e.g. personal insurance, government assistance (FEMA), and other church and disaster organizations) have been exhausted, Catholic Social Service will assist with long-term recovery efforts that require staff, case management, financial assistance vouchers, home repair, temporary housing, equipment and training.
• On-going Coordination - Catholic Social Service will attend local disaster recovery meetings.

If a disaster occurs in southwest Kansas, we are here for you.

Contact Catholic Social Service:

Debbie Snapp, Executive Director

620-227-1588 - Office

620-338-3253 - Cell

620-225-2412 - Home