Louisville – A defiant homeowner in Louisville displays a message of hope May 2, days after a series of deadly tornadoes leveled this block of homes. Catholic Charities continues to help with case management and recovery efforts in all the affected areas. (Photo by Ben Garrott)

Three months after a series of deadly tornadoes caused unbelievable damage to several communities, Catholic Charities’ Disaster Response Teams continue to help manage long-term recovery efforts.
“To date $26,500 has been raised from private donations, diocesean donations and Catholic Charities USA. Currently we are working with local long-term recovery committees in Warren, Winston, Lowndes, Itawamba and Lee County. We are also partnering with Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” explained Chamon Williams, a program specialist with Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities’ Disaster Preparedness and Response program provides assistance with unmet needs by partnering with committees to ensure that families get proper case management and all available resources are exhausted while looking to see that there is not a duplication of services.
On April 28, more than a dozen tornadoes touched down affecting multiple counties within the Diocese of Jackson. “Catholic Charities, Inc. Disaster Preparedness & Response program are ‘early responders,’ which means we enter to provide disaster relief 72 hours after the disaster. Teams conducted damage assessments in Itawamba, Lee, Rankin and Winston counties in coordination with the Warren County EMA. The Knights of Columbus assisted with managing debris removal and volunteers,” said Williams.
“The Disaster Preparedness and Response team would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to all who prayed, donated and volunteered. We would not have the ability to provide disaster assistance without you,” Williams said.
It is not too late for those affected by the storms to seek assistance, contact the team at 601-850-9532. Donations are also still welcomed.