Basic needs for entire family devastated by Hurricane Katrina                           back

The La Roche College community, Sisters of Divine Providence and their Associates and the Providence Heights Alpha School have chosen to adopt a family devastated by Hurricane Katrina. A Pittsburgh couple has brought the husband's entire family to Pgh. The family of siblings drove out of New Orleans immediately before Katrina struck with little more than the clothes on their backs. The oldest brother flew down and drove back with the entire family. They arrived at 4:00 PM on Thursday, Sept 8. Friday morning they bought some basic food stuffs and began looking for jobs. The FEMA verification process will begin Monday. We have offered to help as much as possible with basic furniture and living items. I have grouped items together and have placed them in a container or bag that every household needs.

1. We ask that a person or group of people commit to obtain the category of listed items. Email Sister Marilyn the item you will purchase at bergtm1@laroche.edu or call her at 412-536-1053. She will confirm that it is not chosen yet.
2. Hold your item/package until we have a move in date. We hope to have items all come here in one or two days and we will then see that the family gets them. As soon as we know where the home is and when the family will be moving I will set a specific date to deliver everything to campus. Again, please hold the items you have purchased until that designated date; we have no storage space here on campus.
3. Depending on the assistance the family is able to get we will be asking for some furniture and bedding.
4. We may be asking for help to clean the house a little, make the beds, and stock the cupboards. Keep checking your email or our website www.lrccs.org

How did we make our decisions?

• The Pgh family we are helping is 18 people, thus preparing for is four households: 4 set of parents, and 4 kids: a 7 year old boy; a young man who is a H.S. freshman; a young woman and man both high school seniors.
• We need the ABSOSLUTE BASICS. We'll worry about other things later, as necessary
• Until we know more we are not considering furniture or bedding; that may come later.
• Kitchen supplies, if used, should look reasonably nice

Please join us in prayer and service to the people and places so much in need of our help.

La Roche College Mission Statement

La Roche College, a Catholic institution of higher learning, founded and sponsored by the Congregation of Divine Providence, creates an international community of scholars from the region, the nation and around the world, in particular from conflict, post conflict and developing regions. Liberal and professional educational experiences are integrated into a way of life that empowers men and women to become lifelong learners, achieve success in their chosen careers and become activists for justice and peace in a constantly changing global society.