The Disaster Case Management program (DCMP) assists disaster survivors in creating a recovery plan while reconnecting them with available resources for an achievable and successful recovery.
In serving the most vulnerable in our communities during these times, our disaster relief services are currently focused on families and individuals who:
- reside in Santa Cruz County or Monterey County.
- whose home was in the evacuation areas.
- are in need of financial assistance and connection to resources related to the recovery plan.
Call our disaster relief direct line: (831) 316-9122
Monday through Friday 9am -5pmSend Email to: DCMP@CatholicCharitiesdom.org
Why Catholic Charities?
Experience, Expertise, and Care
Since 2020, Catholic Charities has been in the forefront of helping survivors of local disasters, starting with the wildfires that ravaged the Santa Cruz mountains (CZU) to the current 2023 winter storms that affected numerous Central Coast communities.
We are the designated Disaster Case Management Agency for Santa Cruz County wildfire survivors. Thus far, Catholic Charities has assisted over 900 households affected by wildfires and distributed over $1 million dollars of aid.
Winter Storm’s Impact
The 2023 winter storm has left a trail of destructions, from mudslides and flooded homes to damaged agricultural fields and lost wages for many workers.
As you can imagine, we are overwhelmed with calls from people affected by the storms asking for help. Many suffered great losses, such as senior survivors from the Santa Cruz wildfire of 2020, who are once again unable to return to their homes.
We also hear from agricultural workers who lost their main source of income; mothers and fathers who help put food on our tables but cannot put food on theirs currently. Prior to the storm, many of these workers live in substandard and crowded conditions and now, they are living in even worst situations.
How We Are Helping Storm Survivors
Over 2,000 people visited our table on the first day of the opening of the Local Assistance Center (LAC) for storm victims in Spreckels, CA. Thereafter, we have set up tables and assisting walk-ins requesting help at Disaster Recovery Centers and LAC sites at disaster zones in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and San Luis Obispo counties.
The needs and hardships of our community are many and complex. We are collaborating with other nonprofits, local, state, and federal government agencies to provide direct assistance and to help survivors navigate the difficult road to recovery.
Urgent help that we are providing:
- Needs assessment
- Emergency rental assistance
- Financial aid for basic needs such as utilities, baby supplies and other necessities
- Food assistance and application to Disaster CalFresh
- Connection to local, state, and federal resources
- Assistance applying to FEMA benefits.
How You Can Help
At present, the biggest need is in the rural and agricultural communities. The majority of people seeking our assistance are undocumented and do not qualify for FEMA or unemployment benefits. Rural area residents are in need of financial and housing assistance due to reduced income.
Three Ways To Donate:
- Online: Click Here
- Mail a check payable to: Catholic Charities – 922 Hilby Ave, Suite C, Seaside, CA 93955
- Call us: (831) 393-3110 – M-F, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Should you have any questions or would like to make a donation.