Catholic Charities (among others) active in Red River Flooding Efforts

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As flooding conditions worsen in Fargo, ND, Catholic Charities USA's (CCUSA) Office of Disaster Response is already on the ground helping the local Catholic Charities agency prepare for possible record flooding. New forecasts predict that the Red River could rise to its highest level in history on Saturday.

On Monday, CCUSA began working side-by-side with Catholic Charities North Dakota (CCND) staff to help implement a disaster response for the Diocese of Fargo and Diocese of Bismarck. Once the threats associated with the flooding and winter storms pass CCND - with the help of CCUSA - will continue to respond through several means, including sending out assessment teams to identify unmet needs in communities across the area.

Currently, Catholic Charities North Dakota is finding volunteers to help with the sandbagging effort and working with other agencies to fill volunteer needs. In addition, Disaster management staff continue to monitor the situation and work with state and local response groups.

"Drawing from Catholic Charities USA's experience from Hurricane Katrina and last year's floods in the Midwest, we stand ready to respond to potential flooding and storm damage with speed, reliability, and a long-term commitment to help the impacted region recover," said Briston J Fernandes, executive director of Catholic Charities North Dakota.

DONATION INFORMATION

To help support Catholic Charities flood response efforts: Call (800) 919-9338; visit www.CatholicCharitiesUsa.org; or send checks to Catholic Charities USA, 2009 Midwest Floods, PO Box 17141, Baltimore, MD 21297-1141

Catholic Charities USA federal ID number is 53-0196620.

Catholic Charities USA's members - nearly 1,700 local agencies and institutions nationwide - provide help and create hope for nearly 8 million people of all faiths and social and economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, local Catholic Charities agencies have been providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from day care and counseling to food and housing. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

For 85 years, Catholic Charities North Dakota has provided services to people regardless of religion throughout the state. In addition to helping those affected by disasters, the agency's programs include Pregnancy Parenting and Adoption Services, Adults Adopting Special Kids, Guardianship Services, and Counseling for individuals, couples, and families. To learn more about Catholic Charities North Dakota, visit www.catholiccharitiesnd.org or call (800) 450-4457.