Catholic Relief Services is committing at least $10 million to help those affected by the April 25 earthquake in Nepal. Funds may be donated locally through the Archdiocese of Seattle Missions Office and will be used for immediate life-saving assistance as well as long-term rebuilding efforts.
“Our international relief agency has made a commitment of support not just to assist in the next few days and weeks, but for years to come,” said Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain.
CRS is already providing immediate supplies including temporary housing kits that include tarpaulins and tools, as well as sanitation and hygiene items, which were pre-positioned in India because the area is known to be susceptible to earthquakes.
CRS teams in Kathmandu said that the supplies are especially needed for those without shelter now, because of cold, rainy and windy weather.
“There are very remote areas no one has reached so far and that’s where CRS is putting its focus,” said Seattle CRS diocesan director J.L. Drouhard.
CRS plans to spend $2.5 million in the emergency phase over the next six months. The aid will reach 15,000 families — 75,000 people — with shelter and other critical supplies. The balance of the funding will be used to help families restore their livelihoods and rebuild their homes.
Individuals may donate online at donate.crs.org/Nepal or by mail at CRS/Archdiocese of Seattle, 710 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. Please write “Nepal Earthquake” on the memo line. Credit card donations by phone can be made by calling 877-HelpCRS.