A MESSAGE ABOUT HURRICANE HARVEY AND IRMA RELIEF EFFORTS 

Images of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and Irma fill the news, and fill all our hearts with sorrow for the many thousands of our neighbors who have been affected.   For Vincentians, it also cries out to our very mission to care for the suffering. 

This week we have been talking with our National SVDP Disaster Services and want to share their observations and planning with you, as well as what the St. Louis Council has already done.

1. The National office has instructed us very specifically not to send clothing, canned goods, housewares, etc. to the Disaster areas.  Both areas are still in the rescue stage and there is no time, staff, or storage place to sort and store or distribute these things.
2. They have encouraged us to collect and send funds that can be used both in direct aid and in indirect aid.  Checks can be made out to SVDP-USA Disaster Services (mail to: National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 58 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Write "Domestic Disaster Relief Fund" in the memo field). 
3. Within the next several weeks they will be asking for volunteers to spend 3-10 days in the hurricane-affected areas.  That plan is still being formulated and will be announced shortly.

I also want to let you know that we – you and me – through the St. Louis Council have made a donation of $50,000 to the Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief effort and are coordinating our efforts regarding Irma with our Board. We will continue to monitor the situation and, as more clarity develops, will be looking at other options as well.

Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern and a desire to help.  At the moment, and always, the most powerful thing we can do is pray.

John Foppe 
Executive Director