On June 20, many Cameron, West Virginia residents’ lives were changed as heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in the Marshall County town. Volunteers in the surrounding area immediately began assisting families whose homes were damaged.
“As soon as we heard on the news about a flash flood in Cameron, our team stepped up,” said Diana Bell, Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center Coordinator. “It’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of support when one of our neighboring communities is in crisis.”
The team at the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center received donations and purchased items including fans, bottled water, and cleaning supplies to provide to the affected residents. The Neighborhood Center kitchen team also jumped into action, preparing sandwiches for volunteers.
While local offices can coordinate supplies to meet immediate needs for flood survivors, Catholic Charities West Virginia’s (CCWVa) efforts also extend to helping families reach long-term recovery.
The CCWVa Disaster Services program works to return people to safe, secure and healthy housing.
“Through our disaster partner network throughout the state, we are able to connect needs to resources,” said Lora Pierce, CCWVa Disaster Services Specialist. “CCWVa accompanies families and communities on the path to recovery.”
CCWVa is a part of Cameron’s newly formed Long-Term Recovery Committee. The agency also applied and was awarded a $10,000 grant from Catholic Charities USA Disaster Operations to assist survivors in recovering from this flood.
“There is still a need for volunteers to help rebuild,” said Pierce. “Without volunteers, the expense of hiring contractors to complete the work is massive.”
Volunteers are being coordinated locally through Appalachian Outreach. If you or your group would like to volunteer, please contact Rose Hart at 304-280-3817 or rhart1703@aol.com.
By Katie Hinerman Klug, Marketing Communications Specialist
August 12, 2021
