By: Karmen Lemke / Executive Director of Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities mobilized quickly in the hours and days after the July 27 tornado to bring resources to the people impacted by the devastating storm. Thanks to an inspired and generous response from parishes, donors, contributions to the Catholic Charities Disaster Response Fund have reached over $200,000, providing critical support for individuals and families facing significant hardship. Through the work of Catholic Charities Family Resource Coordinators and other support staff, these funds are helping meet basic needs, provide housing assistance for those who have been displaced, and support home and vehicle repairs for residents in Outagamie and Winnebago counties.
Grounded in the Gospel’s call to accompany those who suffer, the efforts of Catholic Charities and the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay have focused on providing hope, practical assistance, and a compassionate presence during this challenging time. To date, the team has provided financial, material, and emotional support in the forms of:
- Rent and utility assistance
- Funding to cover security deposits, deductible expenses, transportation assistance, and car repairs
- Gift cards for basic needs like food, gas, and household items
- Airbnb credits for temporary housing
- Mental health counseling and financial wellness planning
Only one month after the storm, Catholic Charities has received assistance requests from more than 150 families impacted by the tornado and has already distributed more than $66,000 in aid to 50 households. While each family's circumstances are unique, many have required assistance with emergency needs, temporary housing, transportation, and navigating the complex recovery process. Our staff continue to work one-on-one with households to identify needs, connect them with available resources, and develop plans for longer-term recovery.
Catholic Charities is deeply grateful for the prayers, financial support, volunteer service, and acts of kindness that continue to inspire their work in Menasha. Together, we are witnessing the strength of our Catholic community and the power of living out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
We are also grateful to Fr. Matthew Settle, Deacon Don Schultz, and the staff at St. May and St. John Parishes in Menasha, as well as the local St. Vincent De Paul Conferences and thrift stores. From the first days following the tornado we have been working closely together, assisting community members and ensuring those that were impacted by the storm are connected to the resources needed. This collaboration has demonstrated the important role parish communities play as trusted centers of support and accompaniment during times of crisis.
Please continue to pray for all those impacted by the tornado, for the parish leaders and volunteers serving on the front lines of recovery, and for the many families who are still navigating the long road ahead. As a Catholic Charities and diocesan family, we remain committed to bringing Christ's healing presence to those in need and to helping build communities of hope, belonging, and renewal.
To learn more about the work of Catholic Charities in Menasha, how to find critical resources, and to explore how you can help in the recovery effort, visit the Catholic Charities tornado disaster relief website.