Alexandria, U.S.A. – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and its agencies are preparing for Tropical Storm Debby, which has impacted much of Florida, and could move in two directions—along the southern coast of the US or northward across Georgia. Catholic Charities USA 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.

Additionally, Catholic Charities USA 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. Catholic Charities USA’s disaster response team is coordinating with the Catholic Office of Concern for the Diocese of Duluth, MN and Catholic Charities Bureau of Superior, Wisconsin to reduce the damage. Catholic Charities USA 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, individuals can visit the Catholic Charities USA disaster donation webpage. Individuals can also contribute from a mobile device by visiting the mobile website and clicking on the homepage banner to access the 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.

Image Courtesy of  Daniel Cima/American Red Cross

The article Catholic Charities USA Helps Disaster Victims appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

On Martin Luther King Day, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington honored Martin Luther King, Jr. by presenting awards to contemporary heroes working to keep his dream alive.  This award recognizes them for their commitment to reducing poverty. Hundreds of people attended the third annual “Keep the Dream Alive” Mass & Awards ceremony, which took place at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA, said, “I can think of no better way to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy than by honoring individuals who keep his dream alive through their advocacy and service to the poor.”

CCUSA presented “Keep the Dream Alive” awards to USDA Under Secretary, Kevin Concannon, Former D.C. Mayor, Anthony Williams, and former CCUSA Board Member, Janet Pape, for their advocacy and poverty reduction work. The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington’s “Faith Does Justice” Award was presented to local television anchor Andrea Roane.

“While Dr. King’s inspiring life, built on the strength of his convictions and his sense of justice, made a tremendous difference to our nation, we know there is still much work to do,” said Msgr. John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. “However, as we remember Dr. King, there’s no better moment to look around and celebrate those among us who are carrying on his work in so many different ways today.”

Following the event, more than 50 individuals volunteered with women who reside at the Harriet Tubman Women’s Emergency Shelter in southeast D.C.  Volunteers worked one-on-one with women on an art project designed to allow clients to express their dreams and what Dr. King means to them.

For additional information about today’s event, including pictures and information on the awardees, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

The article Catholic Charities Commemorate Martin Luther King Day with Ceremony appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.