Katrina/Rita Hurricanes
CSS continues to assist families with their unmet recovery needs as a result of the 2005 Hurricanes.  The construction/renovation phase began in early 2006 where caseworkers worked to inspect property and assist homeowners and provided outreach to parishes. 
Currently, CSS is working closing with TRAC and the Unmet Needs Committee to provide for those needs that remain unmet.  If assistance is needed, due to the 2005
Hurricanes, please view the application process by clicking the link below.  As with all of the services provided by CSS, assistance is available to those who qualify within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s geographical area.  Click here to view Catholic Social Services Direct Humanitarian Disaster Assistance Spending
through December 31, 2007.

 Terrebonne/Lafourche Unmet Needs Committee: 

In those cases where the financial expense does not meet Catholic Social Services’ guidelines, the caseworker will seek additional financial assistance from other area agencies that constitute the Terrebonne/Lafourche Unmet Needs Committee. 
Member agencies include: Catholic Social Services, TRAC (Terrebonne Readiness Action Coalition), the United Way of South Louisiana, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Louisiana United Methodist Church Disaster Recovery, FEMA, American Red Cross, Bayou Grace, and Terrebonne Parish Council on Aging. The client’s case is presented to the Committee, under strict confidentiality guidelines, and the situation is assessed.  After the presentation, the Committee holds a question and answer session to clearly inform all agencies about the client’s situation.  The agencies then pool together to determine what resources are available to the family, and resources are committed.  After such a process, the hope of the committee is that all needs are met allowing the family to fully recovered from the disaster. 

BARR (Bayou Area Readiness and Recovery):

Catholic Social Services participates in monthly recovery meetings in conjunction with the BARR Committee.  BARR is made up of many government and civic organizations from Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes.  Meeting are held once a month to discuss present
recovery efforts and future storm planning.