January 16, 2019
Many people who experienced flood-related losses have yet to reclaim their pre-Harvey lives. Catholic Charities restores hope to families who experienced loss to Harvey through its Disaster Recovery Services program.
Although nearly 18 months have passed since Hurricane Harvey flooded large swaths of southeast Texas, many people who experienced flood-related losses have yet to reclaim their pre-Harvey lives. Homes sit vacant, bills pile up and hope seems out of reach.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston restores hope to families who experienced loss to Harvey through its Disaster Recovery Services program. Eligible families and individuals work with a case manager who visits the home for an assessment, then puts a recovery plan in action. Catholic Charities connects clients with available resources, and offers funding for assistance with temporary housing, home repairs, furnishings and other needed items.
“Catholic Charities’ role in disaster recovery is aimed at helping people return to normal or as close to normal as possible,” said Cynthia N. Colbert, MSW, president and CEO of Catholic Charities. “We are committed to assisting those in the Galveston County area through continued long-term recovery efforts.”
Individuals in Galveston County seeking help with Harvey losses should call Catholic Charities’ Disaster Recovery hotline: 832.240.4658, open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Residents outside of Galveston County should call 713.874.6664.
Minor and Helen Caudle, 78 and 73 years old respectively, received help from a Catholic Charities case manager after they had struggled to find help for lingering problems following Harvey. The Caudle’s home of 45 years was severely damaged by three feet of floodwaters during Harvey, destroying walls, appliances and furniture. To make their situation worse, Helen was suffering increased medical complications in her fight against breast cancer. Catholic Charities connected the Caudles with construction assistance provided by charity partner BakerRipley, provided financial backing for construction work and purchased all new furniture for the home.
“It’s devastating that so many people are still struggling to repair or rebuild their lives and homes after this much time has passed,” said Brigid DeLoach, Catholic Charities’ Vice President of Disaster Recovery. “Many of those served were already financially vulnerable before the storm, which puts them at a greater disadvantage when trying to recover. Catholic Charities is doing everything we can to find those people and let them know we’re here to help.”
To date, Catholic Charities’ Disaster Recovery Services has distributed more than $413,000 in assistance to households that experienced loss from Harvey flooding in Galveston County, in addition to funds distributed in other areas most affected by flooding. Disaster recovery assistance – including case management and financial assistance – is available throughout the 10-county region served by Catholic Charities.