Catholic Charities a bright spot in Ike disaster

There have been many negative comments concerning the distribution of the disaster funding that’s funded through the Catholic Charities organization. All must meet the guidelines that are set in order for funds to be distributed — and we all must follow them.

I was attending church one Sunday morning, and there was an announcement stating the following Monday there would be a meeting for anyone who had damage from the Hurricane Ike and their damage was denied from their insurance companies or Federal Emergency Management Agency — that an organization called R.I.S.E. (Recovery Ike Survivors Enterprise) was going to discuss how the public might be helped.

I attended the meeting and got all the information that was given concerning the R.I.S.E. program, and the very next day I called the number that was listed in the information.

I had full insurance coverage on my home, but the insurance company denied payment of most of my damage. My roof and flooring were damaged. There was mold in all of my kitchen cabinets, which caused me to be ill most of the time.

I was referred to Catholic Charities and was fortunate to get Cindy Posey as my caseworker. She explained to me all the information that was needed and the reason for it. There was a lot of information I had to produce, such as proof of income, proof of current house note payments, income tax information for the past three years and proof I was current on my taxes.

It was tedious getting all the information that was needed, but well worth it because I am now living in a completely restored home. This wouldn’t have been without the help of Catholic Charities.

Posey worked so very hard in helping me get all the information I needed, and everyone there treated me with such compassion for the hardship I was living with.

Combined with Catholic Charities were the Methodist Disaster Program and the Presbyterian Church members under the leadership of Susan Scales that made it all possible for the complete restoration of my home. I had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people who came from all across the United States. Many of them gave up their vacations, spring breaks and holidays to help so many of us who live in Galveston County.

I got the chance to travel to Minnesota, Missouri, Colorado, Michigan and Wyoming without leaving Galveston County, because each one who worked on my home brought a piece of their home to me, and now I am a volunteer with the Recovery Program.

Joycelyn Strange-Lynch is a resident of Texas City.