Important Message from Dave Woodyard RE: Hurricane Harvey Relief

Announcements, Press Releases

An Important Message from Catholic Charities Dallas

Dear Friends of Catholic Charities Dallas,

Hurricane Harvey has undoubtedly touched all of us in one way or another. As fellow Texans, we have family, friends, business associates and others who are struggling with the after-effects of this terrible tragedy. The devastation in Houston, the surrounding suburbs and south Texas will have an impact on the Dallas metroplex for years to come. The reality is that the recovery will be long and difficult. While some residents will end up in the Diocese of Dallas for the short term, others will be faced with making more difficult decisions regarding where to rebuild their lives.

Catholic Charities agencies in south Texas have been preparing since last Friday for Hurricane Harvey’s arrival. Catholic Charities here in Dallas as well as San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth and Oklahoma City are involved in creating and/or supporting shelter options for displaced individuals and families. Catholic Charities agencies in affected areas are coordinating with local emergency and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) organizations to assess impact and identify needs.

In addition, Catholic Charities USA is coordinating the mobilization of staff of its member agencies around the country who are prepared to travel to south Texas and Louisiana to supplement the services of the affected agencies with additional counseling, case management and emergency response services. As soon as it is possible to travel into the flood zone to volunteer, Catholic Charities employees will deploy to the Arch/Dioceses of Galveston/Houston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, Lake Charles and other areas as needed.

As the situation evolves, Catholic Charities Dallas in conjunction with Bishop Burns and our Diocesan Emergency Response team remain in constant contact with one another and are deploying resources as needed, where needed. We know that many of you are already helping at all levels, yet there is still more need and additional help will be necessary. As the situation evolves over the coming week, we will soon know more of the exact needs and how to best leverage CCD’s team of staff and volunteers in the most impactful and helpful manner. Here are several ways you can help our neighbors in need, today:

Financial Assistance

CCD is accepting cash donations to support those who need assistance with basic essentials – gas, lodging, food, shelter, and clothing.

TEXT: 520-14 & type @CCD
DONATE: ccdallas.org/donate

Volunteer Coordination

CCD’s Disaster Recovery team will be working together with a variety of social service agencies to deploy volunteers where they are most needed. If you would like to serve as a volunteer, please visit www.ccdallas.org/volunteer or contact Stephanie Myers at ldelagarza@ccdallas.org or 469.801.8134.

Donation of Non-Perishable Food & In-Kind Goods

As specific needs are better identified by the local and state officials or other partner agencies, we will let everyone know through a similar communication and/or direct communication to the parishes throughout the Diocese. We do know that non-perishable food will be needed soon and are encouraging parishes and other groups to coordinate organized food drives that CCD can then pick-up and repackage into appropriately balanced boxes for redistribution. Local shelters have asked for in-kind giving of new underwear and new socks in all sizes, non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, wipes and formula, etc. Please direct these donations to the following:

FOOD DRIVES: Please contact Edwin Chinchilla at echinchilla@ccdallas.org or 972-246-6027
NON FOOD IN-KIND GIVING: St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Stores / Mon-Sat 10AM – 6PM; Sunday 11AM – 6PM (please designate that your donation is for Hurricane Harvey)
DALLAS: 3052 W. Northwest Highway, 75220
PLANO: 3305 N. Central Expressway, 75023
Questions & Information

On behalf of all that have been and are continuing to suffer from this horrendous disaster, we thank you in advance for your prayers, contributions and support.

Prayerfully for all,

Dave Woodyard

President & CEO