Colleen Bosley from Catholic Charities graciously agreed to visit Slidell this Friday past as a part of a luncheon held here at Sovereign Grace, to educate the public, non-profit organizations, and churches about the response to the oil spill.  Catholic Charities is a non-profit faith-based foundation that was chosen by BP to be the provider of charity help in Louisiana, to provide help to those who have been affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which has now been spewing into the Gulf for 86 days.

Colleen explained that Catholic Charities has received $750,000 from BP to provide food and money for utility bills to those affected by the oil spill.  This amount of money provided help to over 1,000 families in $100 increments a week for groceries and $200 a month for utility bills.  However, that money has dried up and people are waiting on and expecting BP to come through with their promised financial help.

Currently, Catholic Charities is seeking out ideas and trying to find ways to provide families with items for babies, such as diapers and formula, as well as trying to find help for those with pets.  The number of pets being abandoned or left in shelters is rising quickly as people can’t afford to take care of them anymore.  Also, individuals do not have money to pay for fuel and this has created a problem.  BP does not have stations in Southern Louisiana and refuses to buy gas cards to use at other gas companies.

There are still a lot of things that are without answers, but help is needed.  Right now, churches and non-profit organizations are trying to set up ways to reach people in affected areas, but are being turned away.  Outside of official personnel with badges, others are not allowed to enter many areas and talk to those who are in need.

Many questions were asked about claims, how to help out, where to seek answers, etc. during a question and answer time at the end of the meeting and some of those questions could be answered, which was a great help.  The meeting was cordial and well-attended, including a BP claims associate who gave specific information about how to get help.

Even now, much of the information seems vague, but as the situation with the oil spill continues, we hope we can help to inform the local area and others through blogs and status updates.  If you are interested in more specific information about how the oil spill is affecting the coast, we have had some contact with NOAA biologists, the Coast Guard, BP personnel, and the Chief of Police of St. Bernard Parish.  Here is a link to my oil spill diary with the information we’ve gathered.

— Timothy Young