Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is giving additional support to communities in the United States ravaged by destructive hurricanes in the past two months. Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne have killed people and devastated communities in states along the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard including Florida, Alabama, and North Carolina. The hurricanes severely damaged homes, businesses, and structures in other states such as Mississippi, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Thousands are homeless and tens of thousands remain without power.
Most recently, ERD has provided critical assistance to the Diocese of West Virginia and additional funds to the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast for emergency shelter, food, clean water, and other humanitarian needs in affected communities.
"As a result of the remnant storms from Hurricanes Frances and Ivan, the northern panhandle of West Virginia experienced devastating floods over the last weekend," said the Venerable Faith C. Perrizo, Archdeacon in the Diocese of West Virginia. "Some areas have not seen flooding this extensive for over 40 years."
In Florida and Alabama, the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is providing assistance such as food and medical supplies as well as temporary shelter to more families struggling to recover after Hurricane Ivan.
So far, ERD has provided assistance in the United States to the Dioceses of Southwest Florida, Central Florida, Mississippi, and Western North Carolina. In the Caribbean, ERD has provided critical aid to the Dioceses of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. ERD will help the Church of the Province of the West Indies to supply food, water, clothing, building materials, and other needs in the Grenada, Bahamas, Jamaica, and other parts of the Caribbean affected by the hurricanes.
ERD stands ready to assist other dioceses affected by the hurricanes and developing storms. Please continue to pray for communities and families during this severe hurricane season.
To make a contribution for people affected by hurricanes in the United States and the Caribbean, donate to the 2004 Hurricane Relief Fund at www.er-d.org or call +1 (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o 2004 Hurricane Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ, 07101.
