February 15, 2025, began as an average Saturday for Jimmy and Melanie Dover.
“It had been raining, but I was just watching tv and didn’t think nothing of it,” said Jimmy. “Then water started coming in. By supper, Melanie was yelling ‘we got to go!’”
The Dovers and thousands of other people fled their homes. The Tug Fork River crested at a record high in one of the worst floods ever seen in Southern West Virginia. A State of Emergency was declared in 13 counties.
At Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa), responding to the needs of vulnerable individuals is at the heart of our mission.
Our CCWVa Disaster Services team sprang into action alongside a network of community partners, first responders, volunteers, and WV VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).
“West Virginians are resilient people who come together in times of crisis,” said Lora Pierce, CCWVa Disaster Services Specialist.
In the days following the disaster, communities got to work, serving on muck-out teams and collecting supplies and donations.
St. Thomas Parish/Risen Lord Mission parishioners and Catholic Charities staff unload supplies and donations of furniture in McDowell County.
Bishop Mark Brennan held a special collection throughout the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, with funds from the flood recovery appeal to be administered by Catholic Charities. This generous support will help families like the Dovers through the long journey ahead.
“Our house and all our stuff is completely ruined. You can hardly walk – you’re just sliding in mud,” said Dover. He added, “We’re gonna come back from this. It’s gonna take a while, but we’ll come back.”
While the Dovers and their neighbors won’t be returning home in the near future, they do not have to face this hardship alone. Catholic Charities is one of the few agencies that provide support throughout the long-term recovery process, which can take months or even years.
“We’re in it for the long haul,” said Pierce. “Our goal is to return families to safe, sanitary and secure homes. We’ll walk alongside them for as long as it takes.”
Please give and support in our mission, as we look forward to extending our reach and making a lasting difference in the lives of those confronting adversity. Make a donation here.
