By Rosemary Miller

Water, water everywhere! Montana has not seen a year like this in a very long time. Floods have left many families and individuals with water in their homes and businesses. The flooding was only the beginning; a tornado followed, and then oil spilled into the Yellowstone River. When such disasters hit, it always is a surprise and everything else in life takes a backseat. If you ever have experienced a disaster, then you can relate to what some people have gone through this year.

We have had a tremendous response from Montanans who pitched in to help others deal with situations far beyond what one family can handle. Many more individuals prayed for all of the families affected. A presidential disaster declaration in response to Montana flooding has helped clear the way for some financial assistance to deal with immediate concerns, especially infrastructure problems such as washed out roads and bridges. Disaster damage is under continuous government assessment, and once the assessment is complete, the second phase of a disaster starts—the recovery phase. It can last months, and begins with helping people deal with their losses.

Montana has many faith-based organizations that help families and individuals deal with disasters. The immediate response usually is from the American Red Cross, which helps to provide shelter and other necessities. Some of the shelter is in our Catholic churches. Water, food, clothing and health care are provided by various other organizations, mostly religious. The recovery phase begins the process of helping families plan for the future, through case-management assistance.

After Catholic Charities USA in 2009 provided disaster services to help with the lingering effects of hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike, the government contacted the Catholic agency for it to coordinate disaster case management nationwide. Since 2007, there have been 157 U.S. disasters to which Catholic Charities USA responded. These include floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires, ice storms and a gulf oil spill. Of the 157, 40 were in 2010 and one of those was Montana flooding, which drew support in the form of a Disaster Relief Grant routed by Catholic Social Services of Montana.

It takes many people and organizations to help victims recover after a disaster. In this state, we have Montana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, a coalition that uses communication, cooperation, coordination and collaboration to meet the needs of people who experience a disaster. Most of the organizations are faith-based and receive support through their national organizations.

If you are willing to help victims of the disasters in Montana, the most effective and efficient help is through a donation of cash. Donations may be sent to Catholic Social Services of Montana, P.O. Box 907, Helena, MT 59624. All prayers are welcome and needed for all victims of the disasters this spring and summer.


Rosemary Miller is executive director of Catholic Social Services of Montana.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 27, No. 7, July 15, 2011.