Livestock, roofing, clothes — the storm took everything.
When Winifred and her family returned to the place their home had stood before Hurricane Melissa, it didn’t take long to evaluate what little had been left behind.
It would be understandable for anyone to feel hopeless in a moment like that. In the midst of such destruction, families like Winifred’s often have no one to turn to and nowhere to go.
It is in seasons of distress, however, that God’s mercy and kindness can shine brightest, working through the faithful to bring hope. In 2025 alone, Cross Catholic Outreach sent more than half a million meals to people in crisis. Across nine countries, nearly 30,000 cases filled with lifesaving medical supplies were delivered. Impact of this magnitude is only possible because of the devoted support of our donors.
Moved by the pressing need and refusing to let the cries of the poor go unheard, Cross Catholic Outreach and its ministry partners have been able to offer a helping hand to many people — including Winifred and her children, whose story offers a promise of hope.
Before Hurricane Melissa hit, Winifred had built a stable income and home for herself and her family. Her 100 chickens, four sheep and two goats were the foundation for her steady livestock business.
When the family returned after the hurricane, all the animals were gone, and their home was badly damaged.
“Our roof blew off, and water started pouring in,” Winifred said. Her family fled and moved in with her son, who was living in a safer location. It took three months for the flood around her home to recede. When they returned, any clothes they still owned had become moldy and had to be destroyed.
Scrambling to make ends meet and provide shelter for her family, Winifred borrowed money from the bank. She used the funds to have strong roofing panels installed — a necessary improvement for living safely — but now she has no idea how she will pay the loan back.
“I pray for help,” Winifred said. “I pray for protection.”
Thanks to both international and local charities, Winifred could at least count on reliable meals in the days following the hurricane. Her neighbors who suffered less material loss offered aid, and Catholics both at home and abroad reached out with kindness.
Thanks to those who rallied around Winifred, she and her family received the encouragement they needed to push through their initial losses. They received food, a place to sleep and the strength to keep going.
Responding quickly when disaster strikes can make the difference between sickness and health, despair and hope for families in urgent need. While local networks and parishes are invaluable, U.S. Catholics can make a profound difference, sharing their resources to strengthen the Church and speed the recovery process.
In Scripture, Jesus teaches that, “just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). Thank you to everyone who has given compassionately to serve Christ by blessing those who suffer after Hurricane Melissa. The support you provide truly transforms lives, shining the light of Christ in many families’ darkest hours.
Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
