As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico stretches into a third month,  more fishermen and their families find themselves caught in an economic and mental health crisis.   Those needing crisis counseling can get it, free of charge, at any of our five oil spill relief centers.  Catholic Charities Care Line, 1-866-891-2210, is available 24 hours a day.  The National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is also available 24 hours a day.

Since May 1, almost 14,000 individuals have received emergency assistance through Catholic Charities.  By the numbers, through June 28, 2010:

• 13,696 people (5,203 families) have received emergency assistance from Catholic Charities;
• $236,900 in food vouchers have been distributed to affected families, $72,840 in emergency food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank have been distributed at the relief centers, in addition to regular distributions through the SHFB partner pantries in the area;
• 353 cans of baby formula and 966 packages of diapers have been distributed;
• Total food assistance: $401,370
• 2,667 people have received individual counseling and 58 have taken part in group counseling with Catholic Charities crisis counselors;
• $115,948 in direct assistance and baby supplies has been distributed to families;
• $1,044,423 raised;
• $855,316 spent.

Those wanting to help can make donations to the Catholic Charities Oil Spill Relief Fund by clicking the link to the right.

Since May 1, more than 7,800 individuals have received emergency assistance from the local Catholic Church through Catholic Charities.  By the numbers, through June 7, 2010:

• 7,803 people (2,369 families) have received emergency assistance from Catholic Charities;
• $140,600 in gift cards and/or food vouchers have been distributed to affected families;
• 952 emergency food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank have been distributed;
• 177 cans of baby formula have been distributed along with 77 boxes of diapers and 186 ½ packs of diapers;
• 902 people have undergone mental health assessments; and
• 737 people have received individual counseling and 58 have taken part in group counseling with Catholic Charities crisis counselors.

Those wanting to help, can make donations  directly to Catholic Charities at www.ccano.org. 

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Catholic Charities is currently in need of volunteers to help us outreach to families who work in fishing-related industries affected by the oil spill.  All volunteers must initially attend an Oil Spill/ Disaster Relief Volunteer Orientation; orientations will take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday  at 2pm on the 10^th floor of 1000 Howard Avenue New Orleans, LA 70113. 

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Catholic Charities Relief Centers

Help for Fishermen Impacted by Oil Spill