Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

A Quarterly Newsletter from Catholic Charities - May 2002

Monsignor Cox, Executive Director, meets with Stan Lucki, Facilities Manager, who maintains the Emergency Operations Center.

Emergency Operations Center Takes Catholic Charities to New Level

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles has always been a leader in the community because of the way it responds to the needs of clients. The agency’s ability to provide services directly to those affected by an emergency will increase dramatically as it begins the refurbishment of a 35-foot mobile office generously donated by Mr. James E. Houck.

The mobile office will be used as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), ready to respond to any emergency or crisis situation. The EOC will allow Catholic Charities to continue serving clients with minimal interruption should the agency’s main office, regional offices, or community centers become impaired. The Emergency Operations Center will distribute food, emergency supplies, and disseminate vital information. Additionally, the center will contain office equipment, phones, and other items to function as an independent administrative center.

A valuable lesson learned this past year is the importance of developing an emergency preparedness plan. With the addition of the Emergency Operations Center, Catholic Charities will be able to respond swiftly and effectively to the immediate needs of any Region in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. Monsignor Cox stated, “Catholic Charities is grateful to Mr. James Houck for his generous donation. The mobile office will allow us to quickly reach clients when they are most in need. It will store emergency food and clothing and provide case managers with working areas to meet directly with, and hear the needs of, the victims of the disaster. Mr. Houck’s gift will have an important impact on the clients we serve.”

If you would like to learn more about our Emergency Operations Center, or would like to assist us in its refurbishment please call Edna Vallecillo, Coordinator of Grant Writing and Development Projects, at (213) 251-3493.

San Gabriel Region to Participate in Interfaith Energy Assistance Project

Catholic Charities’ San Gabriel Region has been chosen to offer energy assistance outreach services to residents of the East Los Angeles area as part of the California Interfaith Energy Assistance Project. The Project is under the leadership of Catholic Charities of California and the California Council of Churches with funding granted by the Hewlett Foundation.

The purpose of the program is to provide information about energy conservation and discount programs available for low-income customers. Jackie Perez, Field Organizer at Catholic Charities’ Brownson House in East Los Angeles, will speak to community and religious groups, provide materials for distribution at food banks and appear at fairs and neighborhood events to provide information about the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program. The program offers low-income customers a 20% discount off their monthly electric bills if they qualify under income guidelines established by the California Public Utilities Commission. Ms. Perez will also be available to aid individuals and families to determine their eligibility and help them apply for the discounted service.

For more information about the Interfaith Energy Assistance Project, contact Mary Romero, San Gabriel Regional Director, at (323) 266-3130.