Homeless Clients of Catholic Charities and Others are Impacted by Tropical Storm Debby
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While spared a direct hit, local families, individuals, charities, parishes, and schools are trying to recover from flooding and storm damage.
While spared a direct hit, local families, individuals, charities, parishes, and schools are trying to recover from flooding and storm damage.
While the Greater Tampa Bay area was spared potentially greater devastation, Tropical Storm Debby has caused significant damage at two homeless shelters operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg: Pinellas Hope and Tampa Hope.
- Flooding at Pinellas Hope has destroyed over 20 tents and the platforms upon which they rest.
- At least one building has experienced foundation damage.
- At Tampa Hope, nearly half of the 125 tents were destroyed.
- Clients are being temporarily housed in roofed, communal areas at each site.
- All five counties in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and our neighboring counties received direct impact from Tropical Storm Debby.
The storm’s full impact within the five counties of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is currently being assessed. To begin assisting those most affected, Bishop Gregory Parkes will be providing support through the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund.
To help with disaster relief (current and future disasters), donate to the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund,
The Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund has provided local, national and international disaster relief. For example:
- In 2023, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with $100,000 to help with local needs for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
- In 2022, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented a $250,000 check to the Diocese of Venice to assist those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
- In 2021, the Diocese of St. Petersburg provided $100,000 for tornado relief in the Diocese of Owensboro, $100,000 for Hurricane Ida Relief in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, and $75,000 for Hurricane Grace Relief in the Dioceses of Jeremie, Les Cayes and Hinche, Haiti.
About the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund
In response to the devastation that impacts our brothers and sisters in Christ through natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has a Disaster Relief Fund. Through this fund, generous donors are invited to help by making a gift that will benefit those working to assist those who have found themselves in desperate need due to unforeseen, and often tragic circumstances. By joining together, we can make a huge impact in the hardest hit areas around the world and here at home.
