Fire in Ohio

In Columbus, Ohio, ERD is assisting 50 immigrant children and adults left homeless after a deadly fire at an apartment complex killed 10 people. ERD is working with the Episcopal Community Service Foundation of the Diocese of Southern Ohio to provide humanitarian needs such as clothing, food, and vouchers to help the bereaved and homeless families rebuild their lives.

"The terrible fire, which killed the main breadwinners of several families, has made a much wider segment of the state aware of the challenges immigrant families face and their courage and dedication to their families," said Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr. of Southern Ohio. "ERD's assistance at this time would enhance our ability to serve the Hispanic population in a crisis and encourage local congregations in early efforts to reach out across differences of language and culture."

Drought in Honduras

ERD is providing emergency assistance to the help families struggling through a drought in Honduras. "Crops are again failing in Honduras -- a condition that the country has struggled with over the past four to five years," said Bishop Lloyd Allen, III, of Honduras. "Currently in 24 of the nation's poorest municipalities, it is conservatively estimated that 150,000 families are suffering from famine. Not just hunger, but famine."

ERD is providing emergency supplies to the Diocese of Honduras for families affected by the famine. ERD's assistance will help purchase and deliver rice and maize to the most vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, in the provinces of El Paraiso, Francisco Morazan, Santa Barbara, and Copan.

Terrorist Attack in Russia

ERD is providing emergency assistance to families of children killed in the tragic school killing in Beslan, Russia, in early September. In partnership with Church World Service and the International Orthodox Christian Charities, ERD is providing grief and trauma counseling to approximately 100 families in Rostov and Beslan. ERD's assistance is supporting medical assistance to families of children who will require long-term rehabilitative care.

To assist people and respond immediately after disasters around the world, donate to the Emergency 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 Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101-5043.

Episcopal Relief and Development, an independent 501(c)3 organization, saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world, providing emergency assistance in times of disaster. When the immediate crisis is over, ERD rebuilds devastated communities and offer long-term solutions in the areas of food security, health care, and HIV/AIDS.