Local Charity Suffers Major Flood Damage

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Those in need rely on local charities during the holiday season, but one organization needs some major help of its own.

The downtown Pittsburgh offices of Catholic Charities sustained massive flood damage after a third-floor sprinkler malfunction at its Ninth Street building.

It happened Tuesday and went undetected for hours. Tens of thousands of gallons of water tore apart ceilings, gushed through walls and soaked carpeting.

Most of the damage was to the Free Health Care Center and the Susan Zubik Welcome Center, which assists local refugees.

Those two venues are closed until further notice, but the staff is still serving clients and patients over the phone, and with referrals to other Catholic Charities locations.

Public relations Director Clare Kushma told KDKA-TV's Kym Gable, "At this time of year when it is that giving time of the year, we ask for prayer, not just for Catholic Charities, but for those we serve. It's a difficult time."

Catholic Charities is the primary social service agency of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.