Lisa Hendey
It’s hard to believe that we’re only a few days beyond the one year anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan and that the news from the Philippines brings many stories of recovery and rebuilding. This stunning photo from our friends at Catholic Relief Services paints a vivid image:
It hardly seems possible that so much cleanup and rebuilding could be done in such a timely fashion. But as this page on the CRS website details, despite much progress this is ongoing need for support in the Philippines. Sometimes it’s easy to forget after the initial crush of attention that those who have suffered such calamities will need years of healing and support. We tend to be very generous immediately following a natural disaster, but in a place like the Philippines, our love and prayers need to extend over years, not days. As CRS shares:
On November 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines, leaving more than 6,000 dead and 1 million homes damaged or destroyed. Thanks to the generous support of individuals and dioceses across the United States, Catholic Relief Services was able to deploy teams across the Philippines’ most heavily affected areas to identify–and address–the most pressing needs. Today, CRS continues to collaborate closely with communities and Church partners, providing a menu of options to rebuild homes, jobs … and lives. We are committed to a 5-year plan that will help 500,000 people get back on their feet with living supplies, clean water, sanitation, debris clearing, innovative permanent housing, and jobs. Your continued support allows us to reach more communities, more families–and to stay with them as long as it takes to build back better.
This video shows the work of CRS through the prism of one family’s rebuilding experience, as told by Ederlina Villaneuva:
Our prayers and help are still greatly needed. Click here to pray for the Philippines. Please consider a gift to CRS to ensure that these families continue to rebuild and are prepared for the future.
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