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 9,800 individuals affected by the oil spill have received emergency assistance  through Catholic Charities. 

In order to serve the affected communities we have partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank,  local governments and state agencies (Dept of Social Services and Health and Hospitals) and other local non-profits such as United Way.  We are also very grateful to BP for its $1 million gift that has enabled us to expand our services.

By the numbers, through June 14, 2010:

• 9,819 people (3,283 families) have received emergency assistance from Catholic Charities;
• $185,500 in gift cards and/or food vouchers have been distributed to affected families;
• 1,600 emergency food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank have been distributed through our oil spill centers, additional food has been distributed by Second Harvest through regular partner food pantries;
• 190 cans of baby formula have been distributed along with 102  boxes of diapers and 291 ½ packs of diapers;
• 1,535 people have received individual counseling and 58 have taken part in group counseling with Catholic Charities crisis counselors;
• $68,459 in direct assistance has been distributed to families.

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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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       Since May 1, more than 6200 individuals who have been affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have received emergency assistance from the local Catholic Church through Catholic Charities.  By the numbers, through June 1, 2010:

• 6227 people (1883 families) have received emergency assistance from Catholic Charities;
• $102,900 in gift cards and/or food vouchers have been distributed to affected families;
• 845 emergency food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank have been distributed;
• 173 cans of baby formula have been distributed along with 77 boxes of diapers and 186 ½ packs of diapers;
• 748 people have undergone mental health assessments; and
• 503 people have received individual counseling and 28 have taken part in group counseling with Catholic Charities crisis counselors.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OIL SPILL RELIEF WORK

 Since May 1, more than 4600 individuals have benefited from emergency assistance  through Catholic Charities, and, as oil comes ashore and more fishing waters are closed, the agency is looking at ways to increase service and provide for the communities.

Four emergency relief centers have been established where fishermen can  receive emergency food, case management, crisis counseling and other services: St. Bernard Catholic Church in St. Bernard, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Port Sulphur, St. Thomas Catholic Church in Point a la Hache and Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation in New Orleans East.   

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