Photo: A volunteer gathers supplies in Beirut Aug. 5, 2020, to be distributed to people affected by the previous day’s explosions. Beirut Gov. Marwan Abboud said up to 300,000 people were homeless and that the blasts damaged nearly half the city. (CNS photo/Aziz Taher, Reuters)

A massive explosion in Beirut on Tuesday, Aug. 4 resulted in an immediate need for shelter and other basic needs, especially for vulnerable affected populations including the elderly and refugee and migrant populations. Many health care facilities, already stretched due to the COVID 19 response, were impacted by the explosion.   

Catholic Relief Services has initiated support to Caritas Lebanon and their seven PEER partners (a group of local faith-based partners), while coordinating closely with other Caritas members and sharing information with donors, including USAID/BHA. CRS Charitable Giving team has set up a donate page in an effort to raise funds for the response. The Diocese of St. Augustine has contributed $5,000 to the relief effort.

Thank you for always keeping in your prayers those we serve, the families affected by this horrible disaster, the vulnerable around the world, the hungry, the displaced, the poor and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and lastly, thank you for your prayers for the CRS staff and their families serving around the world.