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 are utilizing staff from other programs as well as volunteers to assist people in need until we hire 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 561-345-2000 and ask for disaster assistance or email disasterrecovery@ccdpb.org.  

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

Florida has received a Disaster Declaration from FEMA.  This was approved just for Hurricane MILTON only no previous disaster/ damages.  To be eligible for Federal Aid under FEMA’s Individual Assistance storm damage and losses from the hurricane must have occurred because of Hurricane Milton.

If they have insurance, the clients MUST FILE A CLAIM with the insurance company FIRST.  If they don’t have insurance company, or insurance does not cover your claim, they need to start applying for FEMA assistance.

• Online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• On the FEMA Mobile App
• Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA)

Individuals who sustained loses because of Hurricane Milton will need have the following information ready when they will submit the application.  Please explain and encourage the clients that lack of documentation can cause a delay in the process including a denied application that will require an appeal which takes some time.    Below is the basic information required:

• Contact Information (Telephone address, mailing address (this may be different from the pre-disaster address), social security number (some client who does not have a SS number, but they have a minor who was born in the US territory, they may apply under the minor, but the adult has to be the legal guardian)  If they have question about this, FEMA representatives are very good explaining this and direct them during the entire process.  The adult CANNOT apply using the minor’s SS number as hers/ his.
• Household income
• Address of damage home or apartment
• Description of damage / lost item (Please let the clients know that this includes from wages, medicines to their vehicle)  Let FEMA decide what they can cover (Of course, related to Hurricane Milton as they may send a FEMA inspector to determine damages)
• Photos of damaged home and belongings
• Information about insurance coverage
• Bank account and routing number for direct deposit of funds

Toll free numbers are open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm seven days a week.

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: