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Catholic Charities continues to offer
long term assistance to hurricane victims

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. is offering long term assistance to victims of Hurricane Charley, Frances and Jeanne.

Days after the first storm, the organization immediately opened several hurricane recovery sites, donation drop off centers and shelters throughout the affected areas.

Catholic Charities President Peter Routsis-Arroyo said that it is estimated that over 20,000 people were assisted daily at the recovery and shelter sites in the first two weeks after Hurricane Charley. Services being offered included distribution of water and nonperishable food items, medical assistance, mental health counselors, clean up crews, outreach crews, licensed contractors, lodging vouchers, and hot meals.

Many agencies and groups continue to collaborate with Catholic Charities in the relief efforts including the Red Cross, FEMA, statewide Catholic Charities agencies, all local emergency management offices, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army, many church ministries, volunteer groups, area Catholic parishes, local food banks, and the Catholic Health System.

"As people get over the shock and denial of the hurricane devastation, we are seeing anger and frustration. There is a need for mental health counseling," Arroyo said. He said other needs include temporary and permanent housing, direct assistance to get people back into their homes, job placement counseling, and medical and prescription drug assistance. 

"In the rural areas, there we must provide housing for those who do not qualify for federal assistance such as migrant farm workers. We also must help them with transportation to other areas for work because many Florida crops are lost," Arroyo said.

"This is a long sustained recovery process. It could take possibly two years or more because so many buildings, homes and crops were devastated," Arroyo said.

Catholic Charities is still asking for hurricane relief donations. Anyone interested can call 941-488-5581.

Monetary donations can be made to Catholic Charities Hurricane Relief Fund, PO Box 1805, Venice FL, 34285.  

The following are Catholic Charities offices offering long term hurricane recovery assistance.

Arcadia

Catholic Charities of DeSoto County
1208 East Oak St.
Arcadia, FL 34266
Phone: 239-826-6463

Fort Myers

Catholic Charities Immigration/Haitian Center
2251 Grand Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33873
Phone: 239-334-2234

Hispanic Services of Catholic Charities
4235 Michigan Ave. Link
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-337-4193

Port Charlotte

St. Charles Borromeo Parish
2500 Easy St.
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Phone: 941-625-4754

Punta Gorda

Sacred Heart Parish
211 West Charlotte Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-639-3957

Wauchula

St. Michael Parish
408 Heard Bridge Road
Wauchula, FL 33873
Phone: 863-773-4089

Bonita Springs

Hispanic Services of Catholic Charities 
27050 Old 41 Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 239-390-0687

Naples

Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities
4209 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 793-0059

Bradenton

Catholic Charities of Manatee County
1219 16th Street West
Bradenton FL 34205
Phone: 941-714-7829

For information call Catholic Charities at 941-488-5581.