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After two hurricanes ripped through the South and left devastation in their wakes, Catholic Charities is working to provide long-term recovery assistance.
In less than two weeks, hurricanes Helene and Milton caused more than 230 deaths and caused extensive damage throughout affected regions.
“The property damage estimates range in the tens of billions of dollars, while the lasting toll is incalculable,” the Catholic Charities website on the rebuilding projects says. “But the human spirit is strong, and the resilience of those served by Catholic Charities agencies — both in the seven affected states and those from throughout the national network — was almost immediately on display.”
Seven states were affected by the hurricanes: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Catholic Charities has provided assistance in all seven. The organization reported that it has given more than $11 millionto communities and donated more than $12 million worth of goods. It has distributed more than 1,200 pallets of disaster relief supplies containing everything from wood and water to diapers and clothing.
“Every meeting that we go to, generally the first question we ask, no matter where we are, is, ‘What do you need and how can we help?’” said Jesse Boeckermann, western region director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, according to the website.
In responding to disasters of this magnitude, Catholic Charities from different regions have had to work together in ways that they otherwise would not. This cooperation has helped Catholic Charities to assist people with radically diverse needs.
Catholic Charities is helping ensure those affected by the hurricanes can repair damaged homes and rebuild destroyed ones, tree and debris removal, furniture and appliance repairs, and mental health services and workforce development, according to its website.
“Words can’t fully capture how much we appreciate everything you and your team have done for us,” said Brittany, a woman whose new apartment was furnished by Catholic Charities.
Those who wish to donate to support relief efforts can find more information at Catholic Charities’ Hurricane Response page.
