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From the President

When I traveled to the regions damaged by Superstorm Sandy last fall, I was reminded again of the awesome power of nature and its potential for wiping out entire communities. Entire neighborhoods swept away, giant banks of sand where playgrounds used to sit; it was enough to take your breath away. But I also saw the fearless resolve of the emergency responders on the ground our Catholic Charities disaster responders entering these devastated areas to provide a warm meal, a change of clothes, or even just a hug. Their work in the immediate days after a disaster and the weeks and months following truly bring hope to even the darkest of times, and your generosity makes these ongoing response efforts possible. Thanks to you, we were able to respond immediately to events like Superstorm Sandy. From record floods to vicious wildfires to widespread tornadoes, CCUSA was able to be on the front lines, helping those affected make the first steps towards recovery and remain with them, as they rebuild. Thanks to you, our brothers and sisters who had their lives turned upside down by the forces of nature were treated with care and compassion. Thanks to your support, so many benefitted. It would not be possible without your continued generosity. Blessings,

R e p o rt
Catholic Charities USA

2 0 12 Disaster

Fr. Larry Snyder President and CEO, Catholic Charities USA

Facts and Figures

Assisted 49 different Catholic Charities agencies in their critical disaster work. Provided 53 emergency grants totaling over $760,000. Distributed 18 long-term disaster funding grants, totaling nearly $4.7 million. Served agencies in 26 different states in their immediate and long-term disaster response needs.

In 2013, CCUSA anticipates providing an additional $4 million to support ongoing recovery efforts following Superstorm Sandy.

To learn more about our efforts, please visit our website at

www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org

Newark, New Jersey

Superstorm Sandy arrived with a fury, downing power lines, knocking out communications, and stranding families in their homes up and down the Eastern seaboard. An elderly couple living in Newark, New Jersey, heard the storm howling outside, and went down to the basement to stock up on provisions only to find that the storm had flooded out their entire first floor. Forced to evacuate, they left town with just the clothes on their back. Their car was ruined. The home they had lived in for nearly 50 years was deemed uninhabitable. Unable to perform repair work, they feared they would lose that house which had seen so many memories. They turned to Catholic Charities of Newark, which provided them with a damage assessment and assigned case managers to address their plight. Working together, they secured funding to replace their carpeting and provide additional repairs to the areas ruined by the floodwaters, ensuring that their house, though damaged, would be in a condition to be lived in into the future. While the recovery is still ongoing, Catholic Charities is on the ground, working alongside those in need, ensuring that through collaboration and determination, the lives of those impacted will continue to be restored.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

As the flames of a wildfire swept through Waldo Canyon, Colorado, thousands of families were evacuated from dangers path, forced to leave their homes and possessions for emergency shelters without any reassurance they would ever see their homes again. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of fire crews working around the clock, 347 families returned to the place they called home to find nothing but ashen ruins, and hundreds were forced to find extended alternative arrangements due to significant damages. Catholic Charities of Central Colorado stepped in to provide them with support and assistance. They spoke with every family individually, hearing their story and assessing their unique set of needs. They were able to provide gas to those who didnt have transportation, groceries to families left hungry, and hotel rooms to those with nowhere to stay.

Minot, North Dakota

It was a gift to our staff to be able to serve our beloved community in its time of need.
Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
While no amount of assistance or material support could replace the priceless value of the belongings and heirlooms lost to the flames, staff and volunteers with Catholic Charities ensured that each member of the community that came to them received far more than just a meal or financial assistance. They received a warm embrace, a smile, and the reassurance that no matter how long recovery took, they would continue to receive the support of a community tested but not broken by flame. In 2012, Catholic Charities USA partnered with Mennonite Disaster Services to assist families devastated by massive flooding the previous year in Minot, North Dakota. Nearly 20% of the entire population of North Dakota was impacted by record floods, including 11,000 individuals and 800 homes in Minot. Working together with Catholic Charities of North Dakota and other locally-based non-profit organizations, Catholic Charities USA worked to create a partnership that rebuilt damaged homes and replaced damaged property to allow the citizens of Minot access to safe housing once again. $750,000 was provided to the Resource Agencies Flood Team to provide case management and stock the supply warehouse to enable those affected by the disaster to get on the road to recovery.

Having access to CCUSA short term disaster funds has been a great resource and blessing to CSSaccess to funds (allow us) to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in response to a significant local disaster. Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte

With the help of people like you and the love of God, we will get through this disastrous event and come out stronger. New York Resident Affected by Superstorm Sandy and Helped by Catholic Charities Rockville Centre