Catholic agencies are beginning to build temporary shelters for thousands of families in Ecuador made homeless by the recent earthquake there.

As the death toll continues to climb, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is working in nine communities to distribute 10,000 tarps that will be used with local materials to construct temporary shelters. It is also providing psychosocial services and doling out hygiene kits to communities that have lost access to potable water, raising concerns about the spread of diseases like cholera.

CRS’ initial response to the disaster comes as the Catholic Church and Ecuadorian government continue to try to reach small, rural communities where infrastructure was destroyed.

CRS needs all the help it can get in assisting to emergencies such as this disaster in Ecuador. To assist Catholic Relief Services in Ecuador, go online to www.crs.org.