Overview
- The Bears announced on Aug. 22 that they are giving $200,000 split evenly between Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary to help storm-affected families.
- Charity leaders said the funds will pay for immediate needs such as food and clothing and for housing assistance and other services that help displaced residents begin to rebuild.
- Residents in Cook and Lake counties can contact Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago at 312-655-7700 or catholiccharities.net while Northwest Indiana residents can call Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary at 219-886-3549, option 2, or email Outreach@catholic-charities.org for help.
- Recovery remains uneven with utilities reporting more than 32,000 NIPSCO customers still without power about 11 days after the Aug. 11 storm and local leaders warning that relief and repairs will take weeks.
- The donation arrives as the Bears continue public discussions about a proposed new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, a larger economic and civic debate that commentators say could dwarf one-time relief gifts if built with public incentives.