East Coast Agencies Ready to Help with Shelter and Other Recovery Efforts; Funds Needed to Provide Support

Contact: Roger Conner, Senior Director, Communications, Catholic Charities USA, 703-236-6218, Rconner@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 30, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) reports that its east coast agencies are assessing the damage created by Hurricane Irene and are fully prepared to assist families and individuals with shelter, food, and other immediate and long-term needs.

"In many ways, we were blessed -- Irene came with less intensity and impact than what we expected, but there are still thousands of people dealing with power outages, property damage, and personal loss," said Kim Burgo, Vice President of Disaster Operations for CCUSA.  "As the nation moves on from this hurricane, and the headlines cover the next story, we cannot forget about the people that have been affected.  Catholic Charities will be there to help."

Following its work with Katrina, Ike and numerous other hurricanes and natural disasters, Catholic Charities and its agencies represent an experienced resource, ready to serve all those impacted by Irene. 

On the heels of this year's numerous spring and summer disasters, dollar resources are strained.  Donations to assist people impacted by storms and flooding are needed.

To help disaster-stricken areas across the country, please visit the Catholic Charities USA Disaster Donation Page.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 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.