Helping the Houston Region Recover from Harvey

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Ps 46:1

Download Harvey Year Two Impact Report
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Catholic Charities is committed to serve families who suffered loss from Hurricane Harvey, no matter how long it takes.

Recovery from Harvey is measured in years, not months. Catholic Charities’ Disaster Recovery Program provides help and hope to Harvey survivors through intensive consultation, material and financial assistance: home repair, furniture, appliances, temporary housing and more.

We expect to serve Harvey clients for at least five years beyond the storm. Thanks to the tremendous outpouring of support from donors – as well as generous grants – Catholic Charities is positioned to respond to any future disasters.

By the Numbers

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*Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery services are ongoing. Impact numbers are to date and may change/be updated as relief services continue.

Locations and Counties Served

TEXAS MAP

Opened disaster relief locations in 3 counties:
Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston

Also served clients in:

Waller, Walker, Jefferson, Nueces, Brazoria and Montgomery Counties

Tour the Central Office Relief Center:

Fort Bend Disaster Operations at the Mamie George Community Center:

Double click videos to view full screen, or view on YouTube.

Mission Moments

Because of you, Catholic Charities was there when our hurting community needed us the most. Listen and read stories from the individuals you helped:

Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of our mission. Their dedication and support were critical during the first few weeks after the storm, and continue to provide a vital role in providing services to those still in need.

In the first few months after Harvey, more than 2,000 volunteers served over 7,000 hours. The value of their service totaled an estimated $172,504.

Sign up to volunteer with Catholic Charities
What is Catholic Charities' role after a disaster?

LONG-TERM DISASTER RECOVERY
Catholic Charities is a trusted regional leader in disaster-related case management. We leverage our expertise, experience and skills to directly assist clients through case management and referrals, to influence service delivery systems, to serve as a social justice voice and to create partnerships that bridge clients to self-sufficiency. Our goal is to provide help and create hope.

In the past two years, we have also provided a staff member to serve as the chair of the Texas Gulf Coast Regional VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster). We are a member agency of Catholic Charities USA, the third-largest U.S. disaster response organization (others are Red Cross and Salvation Army). Because of our membership in this Catholic Charities network, we have access to national resources and a network of trained professionals who assist after a disaster.

Our Disaster Relief Services include:

  • Comprehensive Needs Assessment
  • Long-term Recovery Plan
  • Case Management
  • Advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Information & Referral
  • Rent/Mortgage/Utilities
  • Deposit/Application Fees
  • Medication/Prescription Assistance
  • Transportation Assistance
  • Minor Car Repairs
  • Counseling
  • Muck & Gut Referral
  • Temporary Housing
  • Home Repair & Rebuild Referral
  • Furniture
  • Unmet Need
Who does Catholic Charities serve after a disaster?

Our work focuses on the 10 counties of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston – primarily Harris, Fort Bend and Galveston Counties. We are also called to help in other nearby counties including Montgomery and Brazoria. To best utilize our limited resources, we have given priority to these populations, helping them move toward self-sufficiency and live with dignity:

  • Single mothers with children
  • Seniors
  • Disabled individuals
  • Immigrants
  • Refugees
  • Low-income, large families

More on Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery Services

What is the Safe Harbor program?

Safe Harbor Short Term Housing Program

Catholic Charities’ Safe Harbor program provides individuals and families impacted by disaster with rent-free, furnished housing and case management services for 90 days (with possible extensions if necessary). The program provides temporary housing while clients resolve issues involving home repair and disruption of income so they may return to their pre-disaster living situations. Clients also meet with a case manager to complete required documentation and develop a recovery plan.

If you are interested in apply for our Safe Harbor program for temporary housing assistance, complete the form below:

Apply for Safe Harbor Program

What can people do to help families recover?

Donate to Catholic Charities
Thanks to you, Catholic Charities helped thousands of individuals and families immediately after Harvey. With your help, we will be there for people in need through the long process of recovery.

Donate Now

Volunteer
We rely on volunteers for many different tasks, from answering phones, packing boxes and helping distribute goods to helping us canvas neighborhoods and check on people. Opportunities available in Houston, Fort Bend and Galveston areas.

Volunteer in Houston or Galveston
Volunteer in Fort Bend

Tell people how to reach us, or have them call 2-1-1 to get the process started.
We want everyone in need to get the help they need. If their first call is 2-1-1, they can get registered for access to the entire region’s network of services available to them.

For a directory of agencies, visit www.unitedwayhouston.org/our-211-helpline.

Who does Catholic Charities partner with?

We are blessed with many strong partnerships that help bridge people to self-sufficiency after disasters.  These local area partners help connect the families we serve to needed resources. Here are a few of the many organizations we have partnered with so far:

How can people get help?

Call Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery Intake Line: 713.874.6664

To inquire about assistance or make an appointment with a case manager, call Catholic Charities’ Disaster Recovery offices at 713-874-6664, or complete the online intake form below:

Complete Disaster Assistance Application Form

More information about our services is available on our Disaster Recovery page.

Anyone beginning the process of seeking help should call the Texas Emergency Helpline at 2-1-1 so they can be referred to all available resources. For a directory of agencies, visit www.unitedwayhouston.org/our-211-helpline.

Additional Resources