Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency relief to families in two communities along the Gulf Coast region of Florida following Hurricane Dennis. The hurricane made landfall along the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coast on July 10.  High winds of up to 120 mph and flood waters caused over $1 billion in damage to homes and businesses.

Apalachicola, a coastal fishing town in Florida, was hit with 12-foot storm surges. The surges severely damaged homes and destroyed the personal property of several residents. “The boats and tools of over 250 oystermen, fisherman and shrimpers in the area were destroyed, leaving them without a source of income,” said the Rev. Kay Wheeler, a deacon at Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola.  “Many people had 10 or 12 feet of water covering their property,” said Ms. Wheeler. “It will take at least a year and maybe longer to get things back to normal.”

In Milton, Florida, east of Pensacola, strong winds from Hurricane Dennis downed trees and tore into businesses and homes. The town was centered on the dangerous northeast edge of the storm’s eye wall, the most violent part of a hurricane.

On behalf of Episcopalians, Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to help people in the Apalachicola and Milton communities affected by Hurricane Dennis. The funds will help purchase food, medicines, and other necessities as well as supplement household expenses of the self-employed who lost their jobs. After four major hurricanes hit Florida in 2004, ERD provided emergency assistance and a hurricane recovery program is currently rebuilding communities.

To make a contribution to help people immediately after disasters, donate to the Emergency Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.