Caritas responded promptly to the outbreak of atypical pneumonia (SARS) in the Hong Kong community. In one of the early affected areas, Ngau Tau Kok, the Caritas social centres in Ngau Tau Kok provided immediate and appropriate support services to nearby residents. This included establishing a community mutual aid network, collaborating with family services to set up emotional support and counselling hotlines, and mobilising volunteers to distribute “anti-epidemic kits”.