Catholic Charities of Lexington is working with Catholic Charities USA and other Christian churches to help individuals affected by the record flooding in Kentucky that has resulted in at least 30 deaths.
No serious damage has been done to the diocese’s churches or facilities, said to Edward Bauer, director of communications for the Diocese of Lexington, who also noted that numerous homes and businesses in the neighbourhoods surrounding many parishes have been inundated.
At least five counties in eastern Kentucky saw significant flooding by the weekend after heavy rainfall on July 27. At least 18,000 people were still without electricity on Monday, and indications indicate that entire towns, many of which are located in already underdeveloped areas, had been submerged. The calamity, according to Governor Andy Beshear, was one of the worst in the history of the state.
Since just 3 to 4 percent of people in eastern Kentucky identify as Catholic, especially in the countryside, Bauer noted that the Catholic churches in the diocese have a strong working relationship with other Christian communities. A big issue, he added, has been the disruption of water supply. He claimed that rural Kentucky’s Catholic groups have been doing their best to help the poor and in need.
According to him, the parish life director of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Hazard, Kentucky, warned him that they might not have access to potable water for several weeks.
According to Bauer, a number of Catholic dioceses have uninvitedly approached the Lexington bishop to offer to take up second collections for the flood relief. In order to coordinate national assistance efforts, he added, Catholic Charities USA and the Lexington office have been in constant communication.
He noted that since the needs are ever-changing, the best method for people of good will to assist is by making financial contributions, which may be done through the local Catholic Charities website.
According to Bauer, financial contributions enable Catholic Charities organisations in the area to invest in regional small businesses, which further aids in community revitalization.