Donate to those affected by disasters
In the event of a natural or man-made disaster in our Diocese, you will find information and instructions about the Diocesan response here on this page.
The response will be based on the Diocesan Disaster Response Guidelines which have been designed to help our parishes, schools, and organizations mobilize people and resources to provide a coordinated, organized response. We will respond by extending the compassion of Christ to those suffering around us, ministering to their spiritual and physical needs. We will work in collaboration with existing community organizations that respond to disasters to fill in gaps where needed and avoid duplication of services.
We know that in times of need and uncertainty, our parishioners and neighbors will turn to the Church for guidance and support. We can be a source of hope and help for the community at-large as we meet people on their worst day and extend the love of Christ. We also work in an ecumenical way, building relationships and community with people of other faiths.
Diocesan Disaster Response Guidelines
Plan Diocesano de Respuesta a Desastres
GIVE TO THE SPIRIT OF HOPE DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
The “Spirit of Hope” Disaster Response Fund has been established by the Diocese of Columbus to support immediate and long-term needs in the aftermath of a natural or man-made disaster within the Diocese of Columbus.
Funds collected for the “Spirit of Hope” Disaster Response Fund will support immediate and long-term needs and will be allocated by the DDRT to assisting organizations along a priority list as follows:
1. Parishes in and around the affected area which are providing direct assistance in the aftermath of the disaster;
2. Catholic Charities and organizations which are providing direct assistance in the aftermath of the disaster (i.e., Catholic Social Services, local St. Vincent de Paul Society, etc.);
3. Long-Term Recovery Groups and vetted partner agencies in the affected communities who work with families long after other organizations have moved out, helping families and individuals in the rebuilding process to restore safe, secure, and sanitary living conditions (e.g., County EMA,local Foundations, etc.) (NOTE: If a Long-Term Recovery Group exists, the Director of the Office of Catholic Charities will ask to sit at the table and be a part of funding discussions/ projects.);
4. Toward the cost of re-building and restoring Diocesan Churches/schools that were damaged in the disaster; and
5. At the Bishop’s sole discretion.
DISASTER RESPONSE TO EVENTS IN OHIO/NEIGHBORING DIOCESES
When a disaster occurs outside the Diocese, online gifts and response details may be found through the following Catholic organizations:
Anywhere in the United States:
800-919-9338
www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Anywhere else in the world:
877-Help-CRS
www.crs.org
Other Resources
Personal and Family Preparedness: Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov
Deacon Dave Buzusko
Director for Catholic Charities
614-241-2540
dbuzusko@columbuscatholic.org