If you’re nearby, they can use your help; if you’re farther away, your donations will make a differenceThe worst of Hurricane Florence has ended, but the storm, now downgraded to a tropical depression, is still producing tornadoes and flooding throughout affected areas. Now, as the relief effort begins, Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, is preparing to lend aid to the thousands of people who have been displaced in the wake of Florence.
Catholic Charities has set up a website where victims of the distaterous storm can find information on relief assistance, and where charitable folks can donate their time and resources to join the effort.
Catholic News Agency spoke with Daniel Altenau, Director of Disaster Services for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Raleigh, who talked about their work:
“A disaster can be one of the most traumatic things a family can experience. During this vulnerable time, our staff compassionately work with families to help them recover and persevere through this troubling time.” He continued, “Flood waters continue to rise in some of the impacted areas and may not crest until Monday or Tuesday.”
Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas hard this weekend, bringing with it historic flooding which is expected to last for many days to come. So far the storm has claimed the lives of 32, but the number may rise once the floods subside and relief workers can begin searching thr areas properly.
“It won’t be until after the flood waters recede that we are fully able to understand the damage of the storm. There are projections that some rivers may rise to higher levels than were experienced in Hurricane Matthew two years ago,” Altenau added.
Catholic Charities is ready to provide groceries, diapers, food gift cards and clean-up supplies, as well as assistance with finding housing, a process which may be difficult as many of the affected areas have smaller populations and fewer available apartments.
The charity organization can always use more monetary assistence and donations, but what they need most is the donation of time. Specifically, they need box truck drivers who can make the drive from a warehouse in Raleigh to impacted areas in eastern North Carolina. The more drivers who volunteer, the faster their relief efforts will reach people who so depsirately need them. Sign up to drive or donate here.
