Community Corner
Emergency Assistance Available for Flood Victims
Catholic Church Allocates $10K for Security Deposits, Clothing and More
PROVIDENCE, R.I.)-The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence today announced $10,000 in emergency assistance funds for those impacted by the floods that occurred throughout the state on Labor Day. The funds were secured from the Diocesan Assistance Fund and resources raised through optional second collections held at parishes throughout the Diocese after floods in 2010.
Distributed through the Diocesan Office of Catholic Charities and Social Ministry, the funds may be used for a number of immediate needs by those impacted by the flooding as they get back on their feet in the form of security deposits for new apartments, clothing, food and other basic needs.
“Many Rhode Island families have experienced the hardship of flooding and the burdensome aftermath that follows such natural occurrences as they try to piece their lives back together,” said Bishop Tobin. “I am hopeful that these Diocesan Assistance Funds and resources from special collections taken in 2010 will help those individuals and families in their time of great need.”
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When heavy rains caused rivers to overflow in March of 2010 destroying homes and leaving families with only the few possessions they could gather, the Diocese provided $25,000 in assistance to provide those impacted with immediate needs. Through the Diocese’s West Warwick Office of Community Services and Catholic Charities, those forced from their homes that had no option but to live in emergency shelters were supplied food, clothing, laundromat gift cards and more.
Following the floods, in April of 2010 Bishop Tobin encouraged parishes throughout the Diocese to take up a special second collection that would be used to provide for those with long term needs following the flooding. The collections raised $65,793; excess funds were allocated to help those impacted by the recent flooding.
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Since its inception in 2008, the Diocesan Assistance Fund has provided significant support to local organizations and charitable activities in Rhode Island and beyond such as homeless shelters, schools, community organizations, soup kitchens, food pantries and more.
Those affected by the flooding who would like to apply for assistance from the Diocese should call 401.421.7833, extension 107.
