Catholic Charities steps up

The usual role for Catholic Charities USA comes 30 days after a disaster.

The Alexandria, Va.-based organization traditionally lets the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and others make the initial response before stepping in to help people rebuild their lives.

Hurricane Katrina hasn’t allowed the ordinary approaches.

"Like every other relief agency, we’ve never encountered a disaster like this with a whole city being evacuated or so many evacuees," said the Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA.

Catholic Charities and other church-based agencies have mobilized to feed, house and clothe Katrina evacuees.