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

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Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) responds to the President’s State of the Union: ”Catholic Charities USA was heartened by the initiatives outlined by President Obama in [his] State of the Union speech that have the potential to improve the lives of many.

We were very encouraged by the President’s discussion on immigration and the recognition of the need for increased access to quality education and job training as important pathways to opportunity.  However, we feel an urgency to also place a priority on addressing more effective methods for delivering vital services to those most vulnerable among us.

“While there is a very robust discussion occurring in Washington about how much money should be spent on various federal programs that serve the poor, few are engaged in conversation about how better to administer those services, how to maximize efficiency in delivery and how to identify new solutions to prevent and alleviate poverty at large.

We are hopeful that moving forward the President will lead a national conversation about identifying new methods and strategies for lifting more Americans onto a path of opportunity and self-sufficiency in a way that is economically sustainable for the nation, ensuring not just an ‘America Built to Last’, but an ‘America Built to Last – For All.’

“While the President discussed a deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Street, CCUSA remains focused on addressing the needs of those on Back Street.  At the moment, our nation’s safety net system is focused on helping these people get by, when we should be making sure they thrive.

We need comprehensive reform of the nation’s service delivery system that is market driven, results oriented and locally controlled, enabling the country to permanently make a difference in the lives of those living in poverty, and establishing accountability for the investment of taxpayer dollars.

“We recognize that the challenge at hand is great, but with great challenge comes great opportunity. Catholic Charities USA embraces this challenge and looks forward to working with the President to ensure we fulfill the moral responsibility of creating opportunity for everyone, ensuring an America built to last for all.”

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