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Bishop appeals for lava relief and recovery

I ask your prayers, and thank you in advance for your generosity in responding to those in need as together we witness to Jesus.  ~Bishop Larry Silva

In light of the continuing lava eruptions on the island of Hawai’i, Bishop Larry Silva has initiated a special relief and recovery collection to assist residents in need. One of the most inspiring images of hope has been the recent collaboration between public and private partners to build the Sacred Heart Shelter, a small village of 20 micro homes to serve as transitional housing for lava evacuees. While many of our local communities have been generously donating funds and volunteer support, there is still much that needs to be done for long-term recovery.

At a recent meeting with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Silva was approached compassionately by other bishops about how their mainland churches may help. Thus, Bishop Larry Silva has now expanded the call for help from other catholics around the country as well.

The funds collected will go to the following:

  1. Financial assistance: household supplies, gas, food, water, clothing
  2. Emergency temporary shelters: construction and operational costs to temporarily shelter impacted residents
  3. Housing assistance: short and long term housing support, including rent assistance and housing development
  4. Long term recovery: support for survivors throughout their recovery.

If you would like to donate to the fund, please send your tax deductible contributions directly to HOPE Services Hawaii at 296 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720; or on line at Hope Services Hawaii. Be sure to designate your donation for “Lava Recovery.”

To read the full PDF copy of the Bishop’s letter, click here.

To watch the video on the Sacred Heart Shelter blessing, click here.

Mahalo and God bless you in advance for your prayers and generosity!

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