October 11, 2024

Western Mass Catholics urged to help in hurricane relief efforts

REGIONAL
Staff Report

Broken utility poles downed by strong wind gusts are seen as Hurricane Milton approaches Fort Myers, Fla., Oct. 9, 2024.  Catholic Charities USA announced Oct. 9 that it has launched a dedicated disaster relief donation campaign with 100% of all funds raised to be allocated to local Catholic Charities agencies. (OSV News photo/Ricardo Arduengo, Reuters)

SPRINGFIELD –  Once again this weekend, Catholics across western Massachusetts are being asked to assist those whose lives have been impacted by recent hurricanes in Florida and the southeast.

Wednesday evening a category three Hurricane Milton came ashore in the gulf coast of Florida, for some of those communities this was the second devastating hurricane o hit in just two weeks. Th large storm triggered tornadoes and flooding. By the time it exited the region on Thursday morning it left a staggering amount of damage.

Relief agencies, like Catholic Charities USA(CCUSA), were already struggling to help the vast region that had been impacted by Hurricane Helene in late September.

In an interview with the television program “Real to Reel” Bishop William Byrne spoke of the need to help the victims of these storms.

“To reach out to our neighbors in need is inherent to our Catholic faith,” Bishop stated. “In the wake of these hurricanes in the south, we need to help, not just with immediate needs, but also the long-term rebuilding that will be necessary.”

Thanks to the support of donors to the CCUSA Hurricane Helene disaster relief fund, $1.9 million has been distributed thus far to Catholic Charities agencies in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. All of the funds raised for Hurricane Helene relief are being distributed to local agencies assisting those displaced or suffering because of the storm.

CCUSA has begun a Hurricane Milton fund to provide that same assistance to Florida communities.(see related story on iobserve.org)

Bishop Byrne stressed that there are many ways to help- donating directly through the CCUSA website allows for the fastest and most effective way to give- allowing funds to be immediately directed to the hardest hit areas.  But donations can also be sent into the diocese which will ensure they are passed on to CCUSA.

“Your donation will help both in the short-term and long-term rebuilding,” Bishop stated.

CCUSA is the domestic emergency relief arm of the Catholic Church in the United States. To make a donation go to https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/.