Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen families, build communities, and reduce poverty regardless of religious affiliation. Their range of services typically includes immigration services, food and clothing assistance, support for families of veterans, mental health services, and social advocacy, but since Hurricane Helene hit WNC, their focus has shifted to disaster relief.

The Charlotte Diocese serves the 46 westernmost NC counties and the Qualla Boundary, and typically operates on an annual budget of $9 million, including government funding for specific programs. Within seven weeks of Helene’s destruction, the agency received more than $6.5 million in additional monetary donations, according to Director Jesse Boeckermann.

“We’re getting close to doubling our budget,” Boeckermann said. “Based on the generosity of the response, we’ve received donations from every state in the United States, multiple Canadian provinces, and six other countries. The outpouring of generosity has been unbelievable, and I don’t use that word very often.”

Much like organizations like American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities is a name people know around the country. Its popularity lends to its becoming a ‘go-to’ agency during disaster relief and direct-service nonprofit work. With the scale of the disaster and the corresponding media coverage, many who felt called to help reached out to Catholic Charities.

The local branch of the organization has received much more than monetary donations. They’ve received 18-wheelers carrying pallets full of supplies, truckloads of diapers and coats, and more.

“Even with the widespread nature of the devastation with 250,000-plus people filling out FEMA applications, it’s apparent there’s even more people who have big hearts, that care, and want to help out in this situation,” Boeckermann said.

Catholic Charities performs community outreach by redistributing dollars and donations throughout the community. An online intake form has been sent to partner agencies like Manna Food Bank, Pisgah Legal Services, BeLoved, Food Connection, United Way, and more, and Boeckermann said the Catholic Charities team hopes to reach as many individuals and organizations as they can.

“The question is no longer who are we working with, but who are we not working with,” Boeckermann said. “We’re sending out forms in multiple languages to so many local organizations with the message of ‘if you run across somebody that’s been impacted, you might be helping them, FEMA might be helping them, and their insurance company might be helping them, but for people that have had major impacts, give them our intake form as well and let’s see how we can be part of the solution for families.’”

Assistance has shifted throughout the first two months following the storm, and will continue to be directed where the greatest needs lie. Immediately following Helene, helping people meet basic needs like food, water, and baby care items was the priority. While those resources will continue to be offered as long as there is a need, the focus has shifted to offering help with home and vehicle repairs, bridging wage gaps for those who are out of work, and contributing rent and utility payments for individuals in need. 

Beyond helping individuals and families, a business recovery grant program is also being developed. As generous donations have been received, the Catholic Charities leadership is determining how to best support local business owners, whether they were physically impacted or lost revenue because their business was temporarily closed. Further details will be shared as they become available.

In addition to addressing immediate needs, Catholic Charities intends to continue providing support in the region for months and years to come. With a plan of adding to their team, they will focus on the second wave of case management, financial assistance, and long-term needs.

“As others begin moving out, we are going to be here,” Boeckermann said. “It’s our goal to help people rebuild in whatever capacity they need, and we know that for some families, that’s going to take thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to do that. We don’t have an unlimited budget, but we do have a lot of generosity, and this timeline is measured in years, not days or months. We’re going to be here helping people until help is no longer needed.”

Catholic Charities invites local organizations needing assistance in supporting WNC communities to reach out, and bilingual counselors are available for mental health support. Visit CCDOC.org for more information, to volunteer, or to apply for help.