In response to the devastating tornadoes that impacted Northwest Indiana, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary is providing emergency assistance to affected individuals and families while launching a Tornado Relief Fund to support ongoing recovery efforts.
The recent storms caused significant damage to homes, apartment buildings, businesses, and community institutions across the region, leaving many families facing unexpected financial and personal challenges.
"Our hearts are with everyone affected by these storms," said Terry Seljan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary. "While cleanup may begin immediately, recovery often takes weeks, months, and sometimes years. We are committed to helping our neighbors navigate both the immediate needs and the longer journey toward stability and recovery."
Catholic Charities is currently assisting low-to-moderate income households experiencing storm-related hardships through its Community Outreach program. Assistance may include help with replacement food, essential repairs, utility or housing concerns, insurance deductibles, or other financial challenges based on available funding.
Individuals seeking assistance or wishing to support relief efforts may contact Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary at Outreach@catholic-chartities.org, (219) 886-3549 Option #2, or visit www.catholic-charities.org
The newly established Tornado Relief Fund will allow Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary to expand its response and provide additional support to vulnerable households as recovery efforts continue throughout the coming months.
Priority will be given to low-to-moderate income households experiencing significant hardship as a result of the storms.
"We know that many families will face expenses that insurance may not fully cover, while others may have lost income because they were unable to work," Seljan said. "Our goal is to ensure that no one faces these challenges alone."
Catholic Charities is accepting donations to the Tornado Relief Fund from individuals, businesses, parishes, and community organizations. Contributions will help provide direct assistance to local families working to rebuild their lives after the storms. Financial donations can be made at www.catholic-chartities.org. Donors may also mail checks payable to Catholic Charities to 940 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402. Please list Tornado Relief on the check.
For more information, please contact Cathie Dull at cdull@catholic-charities.org or (219) 886-3549 x 102.
About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary provides help, creates hope, and serves all throughout Lake, Porter, La Porte, and Starke Counties. Through programs addressing hunger, housing stability, pregnancy and parenting support, and emergency assistance, Catholic Charities serves more than 41,000 individuals annually across Northwest Indiana.
