Updated September 22, 2005
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is responding to the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina in the southeastern United States.
How has the Church been affected?
- All missionaries are safe and accounted for.
- Most members have been accounted for—three members have died.
- Hundreds of member homes have been severely damaged or destroyed.
- Most displaced members are staying with family or friends.
How has the Church responded?
- Church Welfare Services personnel are in the area to coordinate emergency assistance.
- Emergency shelters have been established in many meetinghouses. The use of these shelters is diminishing as individuals relocate with family or friends.
- Food, hygiene kits, and other in-kind assistance have been provided in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama through multiple organizations, including the Red Cross. Substantial assistance has also been provided to those temporarily in evacuee shelters.
- Assistance has been provided to evacuees now located in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Utah, and Idaho.
- Bishops are using commodities from storehouses and fast offerings to assist needy members in their wards.
- Practitioners from LDS Family Services are assisting with trauma and grief counseling.
- Church employment centers are working with stake and ward employment specialists to assist those who have lost jobs due to the hurricane.
- To date, Church volunteers have provided 17,402 man-days of relief service, completing nearly 7,100 work orders. This generous effort has been greatly appreciated.
How can I help?
All are encouraged to pray for those who suffer as well as for those providing relief. Funds to support relief efforts may be provided to the Church by:
- Mailing a check to:
Emergency Response Fund, Welfare Services
50 East North Temple Street, Room 701
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
- Donating online at LDS Humanitarian Services Giving Site.
- Donating to fast offerings or to the humanitarian fund of the Church through your local ward.
- Calling 1-800-525-8074 (for credit cards) or 1-801-240-7688 (for checks).
An additional way to help would be to prepare needed items such as Hygiene Kits.
What if I would like to do more?
If you would like to help beyond what has been suggested, please consider the following:
- Funds are the immediate need. The Church often uses funds to purchase supplies near affected areas.
- The Church cannot accept unsolicited contributions of materials, supplies, food, or other goods.
- The Church does not ship unsolicited donations on behalf of individuals or groups.
Is the Church coordinating temporary housing?
Bishops are helping displaced members with temporary housing until more permanent housing is acquired.
Can the Church help me find members in affected areas?
The Church is preparing a list of individuals who are staying in meetinghouses being used as emergency shelters. For help, you may call 1-800-453-3860, extension 2-1150 or 1-801-240-1150.
You may also want to contact the United States government for information about missing persons and volunteer efforts at answers.firstgov.gov
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