Catholic Charities NW Florida Emergency & Food Assistance: FWB

Catholic Charities helps in emergencies with such basic needs as financial assistance for housing, utilities, prescriptions, and food. Our staff is acutely aware of services provided within our agency and community at large and is knowledgeable about researching new resources that can benefit those in need.

The target population is families in crisis who live in our 18-county service area across Northwest Florida. Caseworkers prioritize and assist potential clients according to needs, housing status, and family composition.

Catholic Charities attempts to assist as many applicants as possible with the emergency situation they face by providing financial counseling and referrals to other resources as appropriate. Catholic Charities does not have income eligibility restrictions for most programs.

Many families are facing multiple problems. Although one problem may be presented, generally financial in nature, our caseworkers are able to assess other possible needs and problems of the family. Appointments are assessed and referred to the appropriate case manager or community resource.

Information needed to apply:

• Photo ID for all adults in the household
• Birth certificates for all children in the household
• Proof of emergency hardship
• Social Security Cards for all household members
• Verification of all income for all household members
• Receipts of any and all payments/expenses made in the last 30 days

Ft. Walton Beach Information

Please call our Fort Walton Beach office Monday through Friday at 850-244-2825, and they will explain the Emergency Assistance process to you. If our staff are with another individual and unable to speak with you when you call, please hang up and try to contact us again.

Emergency Financial Assistance screenings are conducted on the phone at our Fort Walton Beach office on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, beginning at 9 am until all available appointments are filled. Please call 850-244-2825. Please understand that we receive many calls from individuals needing assistance, and the appointments fill up quickly. Please also call United Way at 211. They may be able to identify other agencies in the community that can assist you.