Catholic Charities Assists NM and AZ Wildfire Victims

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Jul 29, 2011, 02:19 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and Catholic Charities of Gallup, NM, are assisting victims of the recent Wallow Fire across eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081008/CCUSALOGO)

The wildfire, which burned over 500,000 acres of land throughout the month of June, displaced over 3,000 victims, many of whom are still rebuilding their homes and lives.

"The damage is devastating," says Steven Pearson, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Gallup. "These people just had no place to turn, but, luckily, Catholic Charities has been there to help."

Utilizing CCUSA disaster grant funds, Catholic Charities of Gallup will coordinate with White Mountain Catholic Charities in Arizona to provide home repairs, temporary rentals, utilities, medications and food to individuals across the impacted region.

To help victims in New Mexico, Arizona and other disaster-stricken areas, please visit the Catholic Charities USA Disaster Donation Page.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrated its centennial anniversary.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA