For Immediate Release August 29, 2012

Contact: Roger Conner (703) 236-6218 (301) 252-7912 Patricia Cole (571) 527-3344

Catholic Charities USA Creates Hurricane Isaac Fund; Steps Up Relief Efforts with its Agencies Across the Gulf Coast
Alexandria, VACatholic Charities USA(CCUSA), among the nations leading disaster response organizations, announced today the creation of a special Hurricane Isaac Fund to help meet the immediate and long-term human need in the aftermath of Isaac. While the storm continues to deliver its blow today, we know already from our communications and interaction with our Catholic Charities agencies and from media reports that there will be tremendous needparticularly over the long-term--to put peoples lives and homes back together, said Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA. Our experience with Katrina puts us in a strong position to know what needs to be done and to deliver our disaster case management services over an extended period of time. Once again, our work will require substantial resources and the good hearts and generous support of our donors. CCUSA is receiving regular reports and updates from its agencies in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texasall of whom have been prepared for Isaac and stand ready in partnership with other responding agencies and local authorities to provide immediate relief and shelter to all impacted individuals and families. To help support disaster victims, please visit the Catholic Charities USA disaster donation webpage. About Catholic Charities USA Catholic Charities USA is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USAs members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. ###