Catholic Charities, diocese collaboration aids flood victims

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
In late June when non-stop rains flooded rivers and lakes in northwest Iowa, homes and businesses were destroyed. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sioux City quickly applied for and received a $25,000 grant from Catholic Charities USA to provide direct assistance to flood victims.
 
Recognizing the widespread need in northwest Iowa, Bishop Walker Nickless initiated a special collection for flood relief on July 6 and 7 in diocesan parishes, which resulted in an additional $198,000 for the efforts.
 
Amy Bloch, executive director for Catholic Charities in the diocese, explained her staff was able to mobilize and help victims with immediate needs within a few days of the flood crests. The staff distributed $100 gift cards to affected people in Hawarden, Spencer, Rock Valley, Correctionville and the Riverside area in Sioux City.
 
Basic needs
“Research and experience have demonstrated that immediately after a natural disaster the focus is on meeting basic needs. Many families were displaced in shelters and others had lost their belongings and homes. These gift cards gave people the opportunity to purchase food, clothing, medication and other items that were individualized to their personal needs,” Bloch said.

Staff reached out to diocesan parishes as well as city officials and county emergency management departments “to figure out the best locations to visit and when possible, join events already happening, such as community resource fairs,” the director said.

Benita Triplett, Norma Garza-Ramirez and Amy Bloch in Rock Valley

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"We did share with our parish partners when we were coming, so they could help direct their families to us,” explained Amy Jones, Catholic Charities director of marketing and development, noting that any person in need was given a card. 

Throughout nine counties, the staff handed out 560 gift cards to victims of all faiths since late June.
 
Working with victims
In the Catholic Charities fall newsletter, staff members shared their experiences assisting in the flood-affected communities, distributing the gift cards.
 
“People were grieving their losses – homes, businesses, vehicles, furniture, clothes, family treasures.” said Darla McEnroe, clinical supervisor and therapist of the Fort Dodge office, of her experience assisting in Spencer.
 
Bilingual therapist based in Sioux City, Denys Azpeitia, said she met Hispanic families in Hawarden who “had nothing but what they we were wearing and had been unable to communicate needs because of the language barrier.”
 
Jones shared the story of a man with an eight-year-old son who has a cognitive disability and is non-verbal. He offered his thanks for assisting his son.
 
“He shared the trauma they experienced when the flood waters came through their home and how he had to quickly evacuate his family. His son is now afraid to take a bath or shower. The father was tearful and distraught, not knowing how to help him. When he received the gift card, he said he was going to buy some bath toys to try to help his son not feel so afraid,” she said.
 
Additional needs
In addition to distributing the gift cards for the immediate needs of flood victims, Catholic Charities staff asked recipients to complete a short questionnaire including contact information and questions for assessing future needs. Those contacting the office via phone also provided contact information so that therapists were able to reach out to each person.
 
“Our staff followed up with individuals who completed these needs assessments once the funds from the diocese arrived,” Jones said. “We were then able to help meet additional needs such as drywall, food, rent deposits, transportation and appliances.”
 
With concern for emotional health, Jones said the staff members also allowed for time on the calls for victims to share more information about their situations and experiences following the historic floods.
 
“Staff took time to debrief with each person, allowing them the opportunity to share their story and discuss the opportunity for counseling in the future,” she said.
 
Bloch pointed out that Catholic Charities is continuing to offer free crisis counseling for anyone in the flood-affected areas. The counseling is available for both in-person and telehealth formats. Those wishing to schedule a session should call the Sioux City office at (712) 252-4547.
 
Diocesan efforts
The contributions from the diocesan Flood Relief special collection made a significant impact upon the assistance Catholic Charities could provide to victims, Jones pointed out.

Rock Valley “The generosity of parishioners was truly amazing and greatly needed to provide relief and comfort to those who lost so much,” she said, noting parishioners are also generous with the annual Christmas Collection. “Our serving work after the flood was only possible because you gave to help … The flood-affected families have been truly grateful. Many have expressed the hope it has brought them during a tremendously hard time.”