The Walmart Foundation awards CCUSA $1.5 million for disaster recovery

Disaster Relief

March 8, 2018

Alexandria, Va. (March 8, 2018) – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), one of the nation’s largest networks of social service providers and disaster operations, announced today that it has been awarded nearly $1.5 million by the Walmart Foundation for disaster recovery. The funds will go directly towards meeting the long-term needs of the individuals and families in communities still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

“We appreciate the commitment to helping one’s neighbors shown by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation in making this generous donation,” said Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, President and CEO of CCUSA. “The recovery process following a disaster is extremely challenging, particularly for the low-income communities that Catholic Charities serves. We will use these funds to assist individuals and families in their efforts to rebuild their lives.”

Walmart has a long history of providing aid in times of disasters, helping communities prepare and recover by donating emergency supplies, such as food and water, home and personal products. In addition to this year’s hurricane response of more than $35 million, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than $60 million since 2005 in cash and in-kind donations in response to disaster events.

“Our friends and neighbors in Texas continue to feel the impact of Hurricane Harvey in their day-to-day lives,” said Julie Gehrki, Vice President of Programs for the Walmart Foundation. “We haven’t forgotten and are proud to support organizations like Catholic Charities USA that are on-the-ground helping families and communities recover and plan for a bright future.”

The recent surge in severe weather across the country is a tragic reminder of the deadly impact of disasters. While disasters affect individuals from every socioeconomic status, the poor and vulnerable served by Catholic Charities are disproportionately affected. As a national network, CCUSA draws upon resources from across the country to help all people-regardless of background or religious beliefs-by providing help and hope with dignity and compassion.