Catholic groups across U.S. opening doors to Katrina victims

Published: 2005-09-07

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Catholic organizations as far away as San Francisco and Chicago were opening their doors to victims of Hurricane Katrina as relief agencies began coping with the masses of people left homeless along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. In response to a request by the American Red Cross, the San Francisco Archdiocese offered St. Mary's Cathedral to shelter 300 victims. The archdiocese also announced it would be providing case management and other services geared for seniors and children. Catholic Charities of Chicago announced that it was preparing a residential facility to house seniors and families and was working with city officials to find other suitable residences. In Louisiana, meanwhile, Catholic Charities of New Orleans and Catholic Community Services of Baton Rouge are working with government, community and volunteer organizations at disaster sites to assess short-term and long-term needs.

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