A state of emergency has been declared for the town of Gila Bend, Arizona, after strong monsoon storms swept through the region overnight on Aug. 13, causing severe flooding, damage and at least two deaths.
The town of Gila Bend, which holds around 1,900 residents, is a rural community in Maricopa County and is 70 miles southwest of Phoenix.
Some 70 households lost everything in their homes. There are water marks on the houses at the 5 ½ foot level. There is no laundromat in the town of Gila Bend and people have been temporarily housed at the American Choice Inns and Suites for a short period of time.
Very little progress has been made to clean up these houses, assist in renovation and provide clean clothing for the residents.
SK Joseph Shanks and his wife Deborah had reached out to Father Manoj John to see what we and the Knights of Columbus could do to help.
Here is a list from Father Manoj John at St. Michaels Catholic Church Gila Bend, AZ 85337. These are his recommendations for the first handful of Flood Victims that urgently need help.
- We need clothes, shoes, backpacks for children ages 2 yrs, 8 yrs and 10 yrs, all boys.
- Children’s bed (3)
- Queen size bed
- Washing machines (4)
- Dryers (4) electric
- Refrigerators (2)
- Stove (2) electric
There are several other families that at sometime will need additional help.
For more information contact: SK Joseph Shanks at 253-468-0772, or at [email protected]