Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Disaster Response
The Office for Social Concerns has developed a network to be Christ's presence when natural or human-made disasters occur within the 23 counties of the diocese and to help provide what disaster agencies call unmet needs. The office also coordinates response efforts for disasters outside of the diocese at the state, national, and international levels.
Disaster Response Updates
Current Disaster Responses
With the best of intentions, people of faith are responding to the numerous disasters that have hit our nation recently. Currently, a second disaster threatens to overtake Joplin Mo, (and other recovering areas) by way of a tidal wave of unsolicited goods (things life clothing, miscellaneous household items, mixed or perishable foodstuffs, diapers...) and volunteers who just show up to help. Critical resources are being redirected from the important work of response and relief to managing what has become a crush of unneeded donated items. Churches and social networking sites are promoting collection drives to fill semis with items that threaten to crowd warehouses and overwhelm distribution channels in the impacted areas.
Our help is urgently needed to stem the flow of unneeded goods and volunteers into disaster recovery areas like Joplin. Please encourage your families and friends to reach out in a way that doesn't cause further impact, but rather aids in the response and recovery efforts.
Cash to a recognized voluntary agency (like Catholic Charities USA) is the single best way to help disaster survivors. Cash doesn't need to be sorted or stored. Cash allows the recovery agencies to put the donations toward the needs that most urgently must be addressed.
Please consider giving a cash donation to Catholic Charities USA in support of the many recovery efforts they already are supporting throughout the country. Donations can be made through your parish or sent to the diocesan Finance Office at 198 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215. If you wish to direct your donation to a specific area, please write that in the memo line. For more information, contact thte diocesan Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or socmailbox@colsdioc.org.
Crisis in East Africa
The East African drought of 2011 that is hitting Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia so hard is proving to be one of the worst in 50 years. Extreme hunger is rapidly becoming a harsh daily reality for more than 11 million people in East Africa because of what many are calling the worst drought in decades. This severe lack of rainfall has resulted in failed crops and critical shortages in food and water. Further compounding this natural disaster are drastic increases in food prices and an influx of refugees from Somalia who have fled to seek food. To help, click here.
Flood and Tornado Relief in the United States
Many communities have suffered from severe flooding and violent tornados throughout the United States. Catholic Charities USA is providing relief. If you would like to help, please visit the Catholic Charities USA website for more information, click here. Donations to Catholic Charities USA can be made through your parish or sent to the diocesan Finance Office at 198 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215. If you wish to direct your donation to a specific area, please write that location in the memo line. For more information, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or socmailbox@colsdioc.org.
Japan Relief
Because of the massive earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor damage that occurred in Japan, there is tremendous suffering by countless people there. In May, the diocese sent an initial donation of nearly $245,000 to Catholic Relief Services to help respond to the enormous needs presented by these tragedies.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is working with Caritas International and others to find pathways to bring aid to the many thousands stricken by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated northern Japan.
Caritas Japan will focus on the long-term recovery as the immediate relief work is being managed by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. In a statement, Caritas Japan noted that the damage is not only physical but also psychological. “We will accompany people who lost their beloved, who lost everything and may stay at temporary shelter, and who have no one to rely on,” the statement said.
The president of Caritas Japan, Bishop Isao Kikuchi SVD says, "We have received so many e-mails from all continents filled with words of compassion and prayer. We are very grateful for this solidarity. We believe that aid activity is needed, but prayer is also important in such a situation."
Caritas Japan has indicated that for now it will not be involved in immediate relief work, a huge operation run by the Japanese Army, but will focus on long-term recovery. In a statement, Caritas Japan noted that the damage is not only physical but also psychological. "We will accompany people who lost their beloved, who lost everything and may stay at temporary shelter, and who have not one to rely on," the statement said.
For more information relief efforts in Japan, please contact CRS Diocesan Director Erin Cordle at 614-241-2540 or email socmailbox@colsdioc.org.
For CRS Japan webpage, click here.
Response to Devastating Earthquake in Haiti
Diocesan Collection Update
Disaster Response Links
As of May, 2011, the Catholic Diocese of Columbus has collected over $624,647.00 to assist in the recovery in Haiti. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Also, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of supporters across the United States, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) can ensure that help reaches those who need it most. As part of a plan that will span 5 years and beyond, CRS will spend more than $200 million to help the people of Haiti recover from their catastrophic loss. CRS has received $165 million for Haiti relief and rebuilding. Of this, $127 million came from private donors, including some $50 million received from special collections for Haiti in Catholic dioceses across the United States. An additional $33 million will be used for reconstruction of Church structures in Haiti.
UPDATES
In the Easter Spirit of rebirth and renewal, CRS is focusing on new initiatives that aim to support and strengthen the Church in Haiti as it rebuilds its spiritual and social services infrastructure. With much of the immediate disaster response coming to a close CRS, the USCCB Church in Latin America, and many others are focused on recovery working with local leaders in Haiti and the US to create and strengthen systems and infrastructur
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