Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge Disaster Operations team continues to work with civil authorities, partner agencies and our neighboring Catholic Charities agencies in all of the affected parishes. Ministry in Motion is our tool to communicate with our Churches about resources, updates on the disaster, the work of CCDBR and great ways your parishioners can get involved.  

 

Let us help:  Since Hurricane Katrina, Catholic Charities has helped thousands of families to recover from disaster, first as an early responder to the immediate needs and later helping people rebuild their lives. The agency specializes in case management which includes mental health counseling, employment services, housing, education and more. Call us if you hear of someone needing our help. 225-336-8700 or or click here to send us an email.

Please return your Church Assessment: Please even if your church isn’t in danger of flooding, please take some time to fill out our Parish Assessment form. Click here to get a copy. Hurricane season is coming. We might as well take this opportunity to be prepared. Return it to Louis Prejean at 225-336-8745. 

Special Needs Parishioners: Have you identified who your vulnerable parishioners are? Ask your Eucharistic Ministers. Encourage your home-bound parishioners to contact their local sheriff or fire department to register as a special needs resident. Click here to download form to gather information on each one. 

Click here to download a handout for your families. You're welcome to post on your website, hand out copies, or use a portion for your bulletins or announcements. 

Tips for parents to help children cope with disaster: Here in South Louisiana, children grow up hearing about hurricanes and floods. In the wake of any kind of disaster - large or small, near or far - children may feel anxious about their own safety and security. Our mental health counselors developed some tips for parents to help children cope. Families out of harm’s way may find them helpful, too! See the family handout.

Pre-apply for Food Assistance: As Louisiana residents eye the rising Mississippi River, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is encouraging residents to prepare by pre-applying online for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (DSNAP), formerly called Disaster Food Stamps. While a DSNAP program is not in effect, now is the perfect time to pre-apply and be prepared for this or any future disaster. To apply, visit http://www.getagameplan.org/.

Get a Game Plan:  Parishioners should have a plan in case of disaster strikes. Visit www.getagameplan.org for some great ideas. See the handout more on developing an evacuation plan. 

 

Community Distribution Sites: After a disaster, Catholic Charities is known for distributing relief supplies—things like hygiene items, water, cleaning supplies, etc. If needed would your parish be interested in hosting a Community Distribution Site? All that is needed is a large parking lot with good exits and entrances and a cadre of volunteers. If you would like your parish considered, let us know. Call Louis Prejean at 225-336-8700. 

 

Volunteers: In any disaster—particularly in South Louisiana--volunteers are eager to get to work to help their neighbors. Encourage your parishioners register as a volunteer with Catholic Charities. Click here to download a volunteer form or call Lisa Lee at 225-336-8700. 

 

Donations: Until the needs assessments are complete, we don’t know what supplies will be needed. However, financial donations are needed in every disaster. Click here to donate online, or call 225-336-8700 or mail a check to P. O. Box 1668, Baton Rouge, LA  70821. 

 

How can we help? Let us know and we’ll do our best to find the resources to meet your needs. Call us at 225-336-8700 or click here to send an email.