Catholic Charities USA Ready to Help with Tropical Storm Debby; Assistance Underway with Earlier Flooding and Wildfire Disasters

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Jun 26, 2012, 08:35 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and its agencies are preparing for Tropical Storm Debby, which is currently impacting much of Florida, and could move in two directions—along the southern coast of the US and northward across Georgia. CCUSA is ready to help respond to flash floods and spinoff tornadoes in these areas and is currently in coordination with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida.

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

Additionally, CCUSA is providing timely assistance to several regions that are currently suffering from flooding and wildfires. Severe thunderstorms hit areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin on June 18th, causing extreme flooding. CCUSA's disaster response team is coordinating with the Catholic Office of Concern for the Diocese of Duluth, MN and Catholic Charities Bureau of Superior, WI to reduce the damage. CCUSA is also active in Colorado, where intense wildfires have been growing since June 10th.

"Our Catholic Charities agencies have been active in assisting disaster situations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado, and we are monitoring and preparing to respond to any damage Tropical Storm Debby may cause. As always, the need for funding support is imminent," said Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA. "With the summer hurricane season beginning, we are hopeful that our cities, coasts and residents are unaffected, but we stand ready to provide immediate and long-term help if needed."

To help support disaster victims, please visit the Catholic Charities USA disaster donation webpage. To contribute from a mobile device, visit our mobile website and click on the homepage banner to access our donation app.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 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