Hurricane Dolly: Catholic Charities Focuses on Food and Shelter

2008-07-25 15:49:03 -

www.catholiccharitiesusa.org - Providing food and shelter for victims of Hurricane Dolly are top priorities for Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Diocese of Brownsville, TX. The Category 2 Hurricane tore across southeastern Texas earlier this week, packing 100 mile/hour winds and causing flooding and widespread power outages.

"Many people have lost their food because of flooding and lack of electricity," said Kim Burgo, senior director of disaster response for Catholic Charities USA. CCUSA is working with America's Second Harvest to possibly access available food resources, while the local agency, CSS, is working with the local food banks and the HEB Grocery store chain to mobilize food to the region. CCUSA has also been in contact with Church World Service to provide 500 personal care kits, blankets, and cleanup buckets that will be distributed by CSS and parishes throughout the diocese.

The executive director of CSS, Sr. Norma Pimentel, also indicates that sheltering is a growing problem. Pre-storm shelters, operated by state officials, are rapidly being closed. Officials are encouraging people to return to their neighborhoods. But many cannot. The sheriff's office has been in contact with Catholic Social Services to open shelter to house 150 people.

A disaster response team of expert staff from CCUSA, Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge, LA, and Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas is being deployed to the region to provide extra support to CSS and quickly organize volunteer teams to assist in relief efforts. In the coming days, CSS is looking to establish a couple of Community Resource Sites and offer voucher assistance for food, clothing, and other immediate relief items. -0- To contribute to Catholic Charities USA's Hurricane Dolly relief efforts: Call (800) 919-9338 Visit www.CatholicCharitiesUsa.org Send checks to Catholic Charities USA Hurricane Dolly PO Box 7068 Merrifield, VA 22116-7068

Catholic Charities USA's members--more than 1,700 local agencies and institutions nationwide--provide help and create hope for more than 7.8 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For more than 275 years, local Catholic Charities agencies have been providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from day care and counseling to food and housing. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA)
Shelley Borysiewicz, 703-236-6218
sborysiewicz@catholiccharitiesusa.org