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Disaster Case Management Available for Louisianians Still Impacted by Hurricane Isaac

DCFS announces $8 million grant program

April 03, 2013

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today released details about $8 million in disaster case management services that are now available in 26 parishes for individuals and families still recovering from 2012's Hurricane Isaac.

Anyone who was impacted by Hurricane Isaac, resided in one of 26 parishes (below) on August 28 and 29, 2012, and can demonstrate they have unmet needs may be eligible for disaster case management. The program is not designed to provide direct aid, but will help link families to available services and resources, such as long-term sustainable housing, employment, furniture, appliances and counseling.

Individuals and families interested in case management services can call 1-866-891-2210 for more information.

"Many of our citizens are unexpectedly impacted by disasters and it can be difficult to get back on their feet," said DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier. "These disaster case management services will assist those families to recover from Hurricane Isaac."

DCFS is collaborating with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) to run the program, which is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Case Managers will help guide families and individuals to resources.

CCANO will oversee 35 case managers, who will assist individuals and families in assessing their outstanding disaster-caused needs, develop a plan to reach recovery, connect them to available resources that match their needs and monitor the recipients' progress toward their recovery plan goals.

"This efficient mobilization of providers, along with effective outreach to vulnerable and underserved citizens, will move the recovery forward and get people back home," said Sr. Marjorie Hebert, M.S.C, Interim President and CEO of CCANO. "Our experience in providing case management and filling the unmet needs of vulnerable citizens will go a long way toward helping families complete their Isaac recovery. We bring our expertise at collaborating with local government, long-term recovery groups and volunteers to rebuild the lives of those affected by this disaster."

The program will serve approximately 1,225 individuals and families in 26 parishes. These are Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes. DCFS and CCANO expect the case management program to run through July 2014.

"We know that for some families there are unresolved issues that still exist," said Sonnier. "A recent tour of heavily impacted areas, like St. John the Baptist and Plaquemines parishes, shows that the assistance we can provide toward recovery would have a positive impact on these communities."