Friday, May 13, 2011

Ministry in Motion is our tool to communicate with our Churches about resources, updates on the disaster, the work of CCDBR and great ways your parishioners can get involved.  

As the Mississippi rises to the top of the levees, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) initiated its Incident Management Plan in preparation to respond to the expected floods. Disaster Operations Management staff are monitoring the situation with the state and local response groups and through church parishes and preparing to respond appropriately. 

Church Assessments: Ask someone in your church who would know the threats to your church and parishioners to complete the form obtained by clicking here and return it to Louis Prejean to 225-336-8745 or to the email address listed on the form.

Special Needs Parishioners: Have you identified who your vulnerable parishioners are? Not sure who they are? Ask your Eucharistic Ministers. Encourage your home-bound parishioners to contact their local sheriff or fire department to register as a special needs resident. If we can help, contact Louis Prejean at this email or call 225-336-8700.  

Pre-apply for Food Assistance: As Louisiana residents eye the rising Mississippi River, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is encouraging residents to prepare by pre-applying online for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (DSNAP), formerly called Disaster Food Stamps. While a DSNAP program is not in effect, now is the perfect time to pre-apply and be prepared for this or any future disaster. To apply, visit http://www.getagameplan.org/  or here.  or call 1-888-LA HELP U (1-888-524-3578) to pre-apply.

Get a Game Plan:  Parishioners should have a plan in case of disaster strikes. Visit www.getagameplan.org for some great ideas. 

Community Distribution Sites: After a disaster, Catholic Charities is known for distributing relief supplies—thinks like hygiene items, water, cleaning supplies, etc. If needed, would your parish be interested in hosting a Community Distribution Site? All that is needed is a large parking lot with good exits and entrances and a cadre of volunteers. If you would like your parish considered, let us know. Email Louis Prejean or call 225-336-8745. 

Volunteers: In any disaster—particularly in South Louisiana--volunteers are eager to get to work to help their neighbors. Encourage your parishioners register as a volunteer with Catholic Charities. Click here for an application or call Lisa Lee at 225-336-8700. 

Donations: Until the needs assessments are complete, we don’t know what supplies will be needed. However, financial donations are needed in every disaster. Click here to donate online. or call 225-336-8700 or mail a check to P. O. Box 1668, Baton Rouge, LA  70821. 

How can we help? Let us know and we’ll do our best to find the resources to meet your needs. Call us at 225-336-8700.