National Preparedness Month
September 7, 2023
Extreme weather and natural disasters can occur with little warning. Are you ready to leave your home at a moment’s notice?
National Preparedness Month is a great time to get ready for whatever may come your way. Making a plan is the best way to protect you and your family.
Make a Plan
You can reduce your anxiety by making sure you are prepared if, and when, they happen. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Check your insurance. Find out if any of your home, health, or other insurance policies will pay for temporary shelter, replacement clothing, furniture, or other items if you are affected by extreme weather or a disaster.
- Plan for your pets. If you’re like millions of animal owners, your pet is an important member of your household. A little planning today can help ensure safety for your pets during an emergency.
- Choose an out-of-town contact. Ask a friend or relative to be the point of contact for your family. Make sure everyone in your family has the information. After some emergencies, it can be easier to make a long-distance call than a local one.
- Sign up for alerts and warnings in your area. Public safety officials use systems to alert you and your family in the event of severe weather and disasters.
- Find out if your local public shelter is open, in case you need to evacuate your home and go there. If you need to evacuate, prepare a “go kit” with personal items you need during an emergency.
Organize Your Finances
In a disaster, financial readiness is as important as a flashlight with fully charged batteries. Leaving your home can be stressful, but knowing that your financial documents are up to date, in one place, and portable can make a big difference. If you’re missing important documents, now’s the time to replace them.
- Do a household inventory. Make a list of your possessions and document it with photos or a video. This could help if you file insurance claims.
- Take advantage of technology. Technology offers tools — like online bill-pay, virtual safe deposit boxes, and USB flash drives — for safeguarding your important documents. It also can make it easier to get to your records, and more convenient to update them.
- Buy a lockable, fireproof file box. Put important documents in it and keep it in a secure, accessible location so you can grab it and go. Include your household inventory, a list of emergency contacts, copies of current prescriptions, insurance information, and copies of other important financial and family records — or notes about where they are.
- Rent a safe deposit box. Documents to store might include: leases and ownership records; credit and loan agreements; birth certificates; Social Security cards; and military papers. For quicker access, consider placing originals in your fireproof box and copies in your safe deposit box.
- Update your information. Review the contents of your household inventory, your fireproof box, safe deposit box, and the information for your out-of-town contact at least once a year.
For more financial readiness tips, visit https://www.fema.gov/emergency-financial-first-aid-kit
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As the crisp autumn air settles in and football season hits its stride, Catholic Charities is proud to partner with the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University for a heartwarming cause: a Winter Wear Drive during the Johnnie Football Game on Saturday, October 25, 2025 , part of the schools’ Family Weekend celebration. While fans gather to cheer on the Johnnies, we’re inviting everyone to bring the warmth—literally. We’re collecting coats, hats, mittens, boots, and other cold-weather gear to support families in need across Central Minnesota. With winter fast approaching, this drive is more than a donation—it’s a lifeline for those facing the season without adequate protection from the cold. Our goal? 250+ coats. Our mission? Ensuring no one faces winter unprepared. Collection boxes will be conveniently placed around campus, near the field, and in the tailgate area , making it easy for attendees to drop off their donations while enjoying the game-day festivities. Can’t make it to the game? No problem! You can still be part of the effort. Donation boxes will be available at BOTH Blueline Sports locations , so you can contribute at your convenience. This collaboration between Catholic Charities and CSB/SJU is a powerful example of community coming together—not just to celebrate, but to care. Let’s rally for warmth, compassion, and generosity. Together, we can make a real difference. Let’s make this Family Weekend one to remember—for all the right reasons.
Homelessness can be an isolating and heartbreaking experience. For many individuals, it can feel like an endless cycle of setbacks, leaving them uncertain of where to turn for help. This is the story of Tyrone, a 37-year-old man who, after spending an extended period on the streets, found his way to Catholic Charities Emergency Services—and with it, a renewed sense of hope and a path forward. Tyrone's journey began when he was introduced to Catholic Charities by the staff at Place of Hope in St. Cloud, a shelter that provides support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Tyrone was eager to make a change, but he knew he faced some significant challenges: securing stable housing and finding a job. To do this, he needed identification and other key documents, which would be vital for his employment and housing applications. When Tyrone came to Catholic Charities, he was not just seeking food assistance—he needed tangible support to help him rebuild his life. We were able to offer exactly what he needed, starting with a free bus pass to help him get around. This small but crucial gift allowed him to travel to job interviews and important appointments without the burden of transportation costs. In his appointment with our Financial Assistance program, Tyrone was relieved to learn that Catholic Charities could offer additional support. First, we helped him obtain his state identification card, followed by his birth certificate. These documents were essential for Tyrone to move forward with securing employment and housing. After some interviews, Tyrone accepted a job at a local restaurant in St. Cloud. We were able to help him purchase two pairs of black pants, a necessary uniform requirement for his new position. With the right clothing and documentation, Tyrone was ready to take on his new job. Looking back on his experience, Tyrone shared how grateful he was for the help he received from Catholic Charities. Our services gave him more than just the physical items he needed—they provided him with the tools and resources to regain his independence and start a new chapter in his life. We are proud to have been a part of Tyrone’s journey, and we are committed to helping others in our community who are facing similar struggles.
