Catholic Charities Atlanta and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, working together, have begun initial relief efforts to help evacuees of Hurricane Gustav arriving in the Atlanta area.

Existing funds for services are severely limited at both agencies. Based on funding, Catholic Charities expects to provide professional case management and assist with transportation expenses, lodging and grocery cards for the evacuees. St. Vincent de Paul is planning to offer assistance as well with food pantry items and other support also based on availability.

St. Vincent de Paul has already provided beds from their “Sweet Dreams” program to assist some of the 70 Vietnamese evacuees who are staying at the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Mission in Norcross.

Both agencies are accepting monetary donations, which are critical at this time. St. Vincent de Paul is also accepting canned food pantry items that can be delivered to their main office at 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd., Atlanta, Ga., 30341.

“Our ability to assist these evacuees depends on the generosity of our local communities,” said Joseph Krygiel, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities. “Both myself and John Berry, the executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, appeal for your help at this time. It looks like we may be having a series of storms heading our way again this hurricane season.”

To help the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Mission evacuees in Norcross directly, call (770) 921-0307.

To donate to Catholic Charities, visit www.catholiccharitiesatlanta.org, or call (404) 881-6571. Donations can also be mailed directly to Catholic Charities, Hurricane Relief, 680 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, Ga., 30308.

For donations to St. Vincent de Paul, visit www.svdpatl.org, or call the Food Pantry at (770) 458-5415. Donations can also be mailed directly to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Hurricane Relief, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd., Atlanta, Ga., 30341.