ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) — More help is on the way for people who were affected by Hurricane Helene. Catholic Charities USA, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is helping with relief efforts and is sending supplies and people to help survivors.
Catholic Charities Vice President of Disaster Relief Kim Burgo deployed from Alexandria to Pasco County, Florida. She said the devastation is horrific and they are asking for help.
Cell phone video and photos captured by Burgo showed the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene.
“So you can see around me of course there’s all this destruction but I can tell you, it goes clear down this street,” said Burgo.
Burgo and her team have already begun building temporary shelters for those who lost their homes during the hurricane.
Catholic Charities USA said it is sending water, food, and supplies to those in need in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida. They have also delivered truckloads of cleaning kits, diapers, children’s activity kits, oral rehydration products, blankets and solar lights.
This comes as Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that President Joe Biden approved Virginia’s request for an expedited Federal Major Disaster Declaration. The declaration will provide additional support to those impacted in Virginia.
“There are folks trying to clean up their homes,” said Burgo. “People are in shock. Folks have not had this kind of thing happen to them before.”
The disaster responders on the ground said what they need most is financial donations to purchase supplies locally. To donate to Catholic Charities USA, text “Hurricane” to 20406.
For more information on the Catholic Charities USA’s disaster relief, click here.
