Catholic Charities of Louisville announced today that it has received donations totaling $194,718 for tornado relief efforts. Funds were contributed by individual donors, special collections in parishes and schools.
The agency expects that total to top $200,000 by the end of the week, according to a media release.
“The generosity of the people of the archdiocese has been overwhelming,” said the executive director, Steve Bogus. He said the agency has offered its assistance to the dioceses of Lexington and Covington and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Catholic Charities also has formed a committee to manage its disaster response and review requests for assistance. Staff member Cathy Palmer-Ball has been working with the group Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster to help determine ways to help survivors in the long term.
“Right now victims are working with FEMA and their insurance companies, but we anticipate a long recovery period with many unforeseen obstacles,” she said in the release. “We’re here to provide ongoing case management and assistance for as long as it takes.