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
Response to Devastating Earthquake in Haiti
New Diocesan Collection Update, click here.
As of March 22, 2010, the Catholic Diocese of Columbus has collected over $644,000 to assist in the recovery in Haiti. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Special Bulletin Announcement
Journey with Haiti – Earthquake Response
The earthquake devastated Haiti leaving more than 200,000 people dead. To date, more than 4.3 million people have received food assistance and 1.2 million people are receiving a daily water distribution from the network of government and aid agencies. In partnership with the U.S. Catholic community and the Catholic Church in Haiti, Catholic Relief Services’ earthquake response emphasizes three overarching priorities: saving lives, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening civil society. Comprehensive activities are underway to restore food security, create basic shelter, generate incomes, improve health and hygiene, and build long-term stability. For lasting impact, we will help strengthen the capacities of people and local social service entities, and rebuild infrastructure in a manner that encourages the empowerment of Haitians throughout their recovery.
Thank you for the tremendous outpouring of prayers and support for the Haitian people. For more information on CRS’ relief efforts in Haiti as well as prayer resources, educational resources, and information on how you can help with the long-term rebuilding process, please go to http://crs.org/emergency/haiti/index.cfm or contact your local diocesan CRS director at 614-241-2540 or ecordle@colsdioc.org.
Prayer
God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster
to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.
Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry,
shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen.
How to Help:
Donate via phone: 1-877-HELP-CRS
Write a check: Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090
Memo portion of check: Haiti Earthquake
Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Catholic Charities USA is collecting financial donations to help communities recover from the damage caused by recent hurricanes. Donations will be used to fund local Catholic Charities agencies' emergency and long-term humanitarian relief efforts.
To contribute to Catholic Charities USA's response efforts:
Call (800) 919-9338
Visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org
Send checks to:
Catholic Charities USA
Hurricane Recovery
PO Box 17066
Baltimore, MD 21297-1066
Disaster Response Links
Local
Office for Social Concerns, Catholic Diocese of Columbus For the latest information about disaster relief efforts at the local, state, national, and international levels, call (614) 241-2540 or email socmailbox@colsdioc.org.
State
Ohio Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster (OH-VOAD)
Ohio Community Service Council
National
Catholic Charities USA The Disaster Response Office of Catholic Charities USA coordinates the Catholic Church's response to disasters in the United States and grants relief funds to local Catholic Charities agencies. Catholic Charities agencies provide critical services including emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and recovery support. For a direct link to their Disaster Response webpage, click here.
International
Catholic Relief Services CRS is the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. CRS responds to both natural disasters and complex emergencies around the world. For a direct link to their Emergency Response webpage, click here.
Additional Preparedness and Response Links
Ready: Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed (Federal website)
Ready Kids
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA's Complete "Are You Ready" guide, 204 pages
Recover & Rebuild Information (FEMA)
- What to do after a disaster.
- Immediately after a disaster: What to do during the first 48 hours.
- Taking care of those in need.
- My home/property was damaged or destroyed.
Volunteer Opportunities
Ohio Community Service Council
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