CCDBR Responds to Spring Floods

Historic rainfall the past few weeks left water lapping at the doors, and in some cases, seeping into homes in several areas of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Responding to the call, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge staff and volunteers loaded up the agency’s disaster relief trailers and began dispensing much-needed supplies where needed.

On Sunday, May 23, CCDBR volunteers attended Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part and distributed 140 clean-up kits at St. Joseph and the Bayou Pigeon Community Center. Gifts cards were also distributed at St. Joseph.

One day earlier, the staff and volunteers canvassed Baton Rouge neighborhoods and distributed 100 clean-up kits.

During the past few weeks, CCDBR has distributed gift cards to needy people at Most Blessed Sacrament and St. George churches in Baton Rouge and St. Joseph in French Settlement.

The agency also assessed the needs of 75 immigrants and refugees and distributed clean-up buckets to those families. Additionally, CCDBR staffed the evacuation shelter at Southern University until its closure, provided case management and goods as requested at three Baton Rouge hotels which were housing a combined 50 evacuees and distributed children’s books, activity kits, laundry detergent, car seats and clothing to those evacuees.

The agency was also scheduled to distribute meals with volunteers from St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge in Bayou Pigeon on May 31. 

The clean-up buckets have been provided by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. 

This flood has been different than others,” CCDBR Executive Director David Aguillard said. “It’s scattered rather than widespread, and the nation is not only disaster weary, but disaster exhausted.  Our work is essential at times like this. But also, it’s uplifting to see how communities are coming together, helping one another out with meals and debris removal.  It’s a grace to be a part of this.”

For more information, contact Aguillard at [email protected] or to make donations to help in the relief effort visit Catholic
CharitiesBR.org.