Time, money running out for Katrina evacuees needing aid in Arkansas

Published: 2007-08-29

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) -- The Hurricane Recovery Office for Catholic Charities of Arkansas is continuing to assist hurricane evacuees with settling in Arkansas, but money and time are running out. The office announced it will remain open until March 31, six months longer than expected, thanks to a grant extension from the federal government. The Hurricane Recovery Office opened in September 2005 following Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast and Hurricane Rita, which hit the Texas and Louisiana coasts. Initial funding for the Arkansas program came from a $750,000 statewide collection at Catholic parishes as well as grants and donations. The three-woman office was assisted by volunteer parish teams in 42 parishes. Each team could request a $10,000 block grant to assist evacuees in their cities. The program was expanded in March 2006 with a $428,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With the grant, Catholic Charities of Arkansas was able to hire five regional case managers and pay them through Sept. 30, 2007. Because some federal money remained, Catholic Charities USA, which managed the grants given to 27 dioceses that staffed similar offices, gave the Arkansas office more federal funding Aug. 15 to stay open an additional six months.

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