In the wake of the catastrophic flooding triggered by Hurricane Helene, which unleashed relentless rain on the mountainous regions of western North Carolina, local Catholic organizations are stepping up to provide much-needed assistance.
The aftermath of the storm has left widespread devastation, with infrastructure severely damaged and a rising death toll.
Church Initiatives for Aid Distribution
Patricia Guilfoyle, the assistant director of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte, shared that churches throughout the diocese are preparing to become key locations for distributing aid.
The flooding has wreaked havoc on municipal water systems, obliterated roads, and downed utility lines since the disaster escalated last Friday.
Communities are struggling to cope with these challenges, making the support from local churches crucial.
Hard-Hit Areas and Rising Casualties
Asheville, a city that serves as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, has been particularly affected, alongside numerous smaller towns.
According to reports from The Washington Post, the death toll attributed to Helene has climbed to at least 121 across six southern states, with Buncombe County—home to Asheville—counting at least 35 fatalities.
Local authorities continue to assess the situation as they respond to the needs of those impacted.
Assessing Needs and Coordinating Help
Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Charlotte Diocese, is actively reaching out to pastors in the hardest-hit areas.
He aims to identify the immediate needs of local parishes and strategize on how best to provide assistance, as reported by the Catholic News Herald.
Asheville is located about 125 miles west of Charlotte, making it one of the key areas for relief efforts.
School and Church Damage Reports
In Hendersonville, flooding has infiltrated the Immaculata School, damaging multiple classrooms, the gym, and even the new STEM lab due to leaks from the roof and windows.
Nearby, Immaculate Conception Church has also suffered water damage in its sacristy.
Fortunately, most churches within the Charlotte Diocese, including a recently renovated historic basilica in Asheville, have emerged relatively unscathed, as Guilfoyle informed CNA via email.
Fundraising and Donation Campaigns
To aid relief efforts, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is spearheading a donation campaign to gather funds for those affected.
Additionally, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, associated with the nearby Diocese of Knoxville, is accepting donations.
The situation remains dire, with at least 150 individuals reported missing in Tennessee as of Sunday.
Critical Shortages in Basic Supplies
The Charlotte Diocese has highlighted the severe shortages of electricity, clean drinking water, food, medical care, and cellphone service in western North Carolina in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Emergency relief supplies are being gathered at the Charlotte Diocesan Pastoral Center located at 1123 S. Church St. in Charlotte, with daily deliveries to residents in Hendersonville and surrounding areas.
How to Contribute
Those looking to assist can drop off much-needed supplies, including bottled water, sanitary wipes, nonperishable food, baby food, formula, diapers, pet food, flashlights, zip-close bags, and batteries.
Donations can be made between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday, September 30, through Thursday, October 3.
Adjustments to Mass Obligations
In response to the disaster, Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte has dispensed Catholics from their Sunday Mass obligations in the affected areas.
Despite power outages, some churches have continued to hold Sunday Mass, demonstrating resilience and community spirit during this challenging time.
The Storm’s Path and Federal Assistance
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s remote Big Bend region on Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing a significant storm surge and causing widespread power outages.
As the storm weakened into a tropical depression, it continued to bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds inland, impacting Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas.
In response to the situation, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for 25 counties in North Carolina, enabling residents to access federal assistance through FEMA.
Looking Ahead
As communities begin to recover from this disaster, the efforts of local organizations and churches will be crucial in providing support and resources to those in need.
The path to recovery will be long, but with collective action and generosity, hope can be restored in these affected areas.
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