Catholic Charities USA Serving Tornado Victims; Preparing to Expand Services for Flood Impact

News provided by

May 11, 2011, 05:25 ET

Immediate and Long-Term Need is Severe; Strong Donor Support and Generosity Needed Nationwide

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) said today that the work of its staff and volunteers is fully engaged in the Southern areas impacted by severe storms and tornadoes two weeks ago, and that additional planning and relief efforts are already underway in anticipation of flood impacted areas and flood victims.

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

Reports from various Distribution Centers and assessments indicate a much greater severity and more human need than initially anticipated. In certain rural areas, where homes have been demolished, residents are often found sleeping on the remaining slab—at a loss for what they should do and without sufficient help and assistance. Local Catholic Charities agencies are working around the clock to attend to every individual and family possible.

"There is desperate need here, and it will be with us for some time," said Kim Burgo, Vice President of Disaster Operations for Catholic Charities USA. "That means the need for donations and financial support is huge. The floods, right on the back of the storms and tornadoes, just double the need."

Donation Support can be provided at the CCUSA disaster donations Web page, our mobile giving page, and our 1-800-919-9338 number.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

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 and introduced new federal legislation – the National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act (NOCRA) – to transform the nation's approach to poverty.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA