Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Four dioceses in Florida are grappling with significant flood damage and have activated regional distribution centers following Hurricane Helene. The storm, which reached Category 4 status before making landfall on September 26, has caused widespread destruction across multiple states.

CNN reported that as of midday on September 30, at least 115 people have died across six states due to the hurricane. Officials fear the death toll will rise as many remain missing and communication infrastructure is heavily damaged.

Maggie Rogers, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, noted the severity of the situation: “Other Catholic Charities CEOs have been texting me and offering help and sending stuff — I do feel like maybe we did get hit the hardest.” She added, “I moved to Florida in 2002 and I can tell you this is the most water I have ever seen from any storm.”

Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg evacuated clients from several residential programs and low-income housing facilities prior to the storm. Some staff members also reported significant damage to their homes and vehicles. Rogers emphasized the need for long-term recovery efforts: “Now it will be down to how we help our community in long-term recovery.”

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee was directly impacted by Helene's landfall, but other areas also suffered from heavy storm surges and rain. Gabe Tischler, emergency management specialist for Catholic Charities of Florida Inc., coordinated emergency resources over the weekend. He recounted an incident involving an elderly couple who needed electricity for an oxygen machine: "Tischler was able to relocate a generator and have it delivered to the family through his Catholic Charities network."

Each diocese in Florida has a mutual aid agreement to assist one another following crises. Tischler mentioned ongoing efforts: “We have eight truckloads of water sent out, eight truckloads of MREs and we are currently doing mobile distribution into heavy-hit areas along the coast.”

Katie Oldaker, senior director of disaster strategy at Catholic Charities USA, discussed leveraging resources creatively: “We think we will have (distribution) hubs in Florida, Raleigh NC and probably in south Mississippi or Louisiana.” She noted that initial reports indicated more damage associated with eastern bands carrying heavy rainfall.

Teresa Peterson from the Diocese of St. Petersburg reported that around 15 churches had either flooding or roofing damage while seven schools experienced some form of damage. Even Bishop Gregory L. Parks had to temporarily relocate due to Helene’s impact.

Peterson outlined additional support measures: “Our leadership is also working to help file insurance and FEMA claims, avert scammers, and provide assistance to clergy, religious and employees.” She highlighted community efforts such as parishes helping one another with emergency sheltering and neighborhood clean-ups.

The aftermath poses a long-term challenge for affected communities as they begin their recovery journey.