While the flood waters have receded and some displaced families have returned to their homes, Rhode Islanders of all faiths have reached out to their brothers and sisters affected by the disaster with compassion, providing food, clothing, building materials and many other forms of support.
Since the first rainstorm in early March, the Diocese of Providence has provided $25,000 in assistance to those with immediate needs. When heavy rains caused rivers to overflow earlier this month, destroying numerous homes, and leaving many families with only the few possessions that they could rescue, the West Warwick satellite office of the Office of Community Services and Catholic Charities supplied food, clothing, shelter and laundromat gift cards to individuals forced from their homes who had no other options rather than to live in emergency shelters.
On Tuesday, a satellite office opened in the rectory of Immaculate Conception Church, 11 High St., Westerly. Hours are Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.; and Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. For more information, call 421-7833.
The Office of Community Services and Catholic Charities is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Bay Community Partnership to help families who qualify for federal assistance to locate affordable housing in West Warwick. While FEMA pays a tenant’s first rental payment for a new apartment, the agency does not provide the required security deposit, which the diocese has provided assistance for several displaced families.
In an effort to provide for the long-term needs of those affected by the floods, Bishop Tobin has invited parishes throughout the diocese to take up an optional special second collection to assist with the long-term needs of those affected by the recent floods.
All funds raised through this special second collection will benefit flood victims today and for months, even possibly years to come. Please consider your support for this much-needed effort.
While relief efforts continue, and much progress has been made, there still is much work to be done. To donate clean clothing, non-perishable food items, supermarket and laundromat gift cards or other items, call the West Warwick satellite office of the Office of Community Services and Catholic Charities at 823-6211.
