WHEELING—Several West Virginia communities are once again devastated after another severe flash-flooding event that occurred July 21. The scope of the devastation is not yet fully clear as flood waters still restrict access to many communities. Many roads, hospitals, churches, and emergency communication centers all remain closed or inaccessible in the wake of severe weather.
Most Rev. Evelio Menjívar, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, thanked all who have already come forward, including volunteers from our parishes, schools, and Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) to assist in the relief efforts as well as the first responders who continue to assist the victims of this horrific event.
“I ask you to join me in prayer for all those affected by the devastating flash flooding that occurred in many areas of our state on July 21. I am thankful to see so many reports of people coming together from all parts of the state to lend support and comfort to their neighbors in need. Now is the time to put our faith into action, assisting our sisters and brothers in love and care for one another. Let us be the answer to their prayers for help and comfort. These beautiful mountains that we call home, carry within itself also many risks to human life, but every unfortunate event presents us an opportunity to rise up.”
To aid the relief efforts, Bishop Menjívar is asking all parishes and missions within the Diocese to conduct special collections on the weekends of August 1-2 or August 8-9. Checks should be made out to your respective parish with “Disaster Relief” on the memo line. Immediate donations to the relief effort can also be made today on the diocesan website at https://dwc.org/disaster-relief/.
All of the funds collected will remain in West Virginia and will be managed by CCWVa. Monies will support both immediate and long-term needs met by CCWVa and affiliated Catholic agencies and will be allocated along a four-tier priority list as follows:
1. Parishes in and around the affected area who directly assist families will receive funds from this collection to give aid to those in need.
2. CCWVa Regional staff will receive funding for direct, short-term recovery assistance to victims.
3. Partner agencies who work with CCWVa to administer relief to West Virginia residents affected by the flooding.
4. Any funds remaining will be given to CCWVa for long-term humanitarian and recovery efforts. This fund will assist families long after other organizations have moved out, helping families and individuals in the rebuilding process to restore safe, secure, and sanitary living conditions.
Please remember in prayer all those whose lives have been changed in the wake of these disasters. Let us come together now to support our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been injured and lost their homes, cars, employment, and access to food and water.
