Responding to Hurricane Florence
Many of us have been deeply moved by the pictures of the flooding and disasters occurring throughout the south east, but in particular in North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Florence. As in previous moments many of us will be moved to look for ways we can help.
I would encourage those of us looking to support our brothers and sisters in the south east to consider donating to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) as a means of support.
Here is some information about ERD from their website:
“Episcopal Relief & Development is the compassionate response of the Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of The Episcopal Church, and a separate 501(c)(3). Hearing God's call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being, Episcopal Relief & Development serves to bring together the generosity of Episcopalians and others with the needs of the world.
“Episcopal Relief & Development faithfully administers the funds that are received from the Church and raised from other sources. It provides relief in times of disaster and promotes sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root causes of suffering.
In response to the devastation ERD has published the following statement about its work:
“Episcopal Relief & Development continues to provide support and emergency assistance following the devastation of Hurricane Florence, as diocesan partners assess damage and respond to critical needs in impacted communities.
“Last week, Florence battered the North Carolina coast and has killed at least 36 people according to authorities. Across the Carolinas, survivors struggled with the aftermath of the storm that brought record-breaking rainfall, dangerous flooding and extensive damage to tens of thousands of properties. More than 8,000 residents remain in shelters. Many residents are waiting until the floodwaters recede from their homes, and others cannot get to their neighborhoods due to road closures. Farmers were hit particularly hard and many have suffered losses.
“Currently, the US Disaster team is working closely with the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry to provide urgent assistance to migrant and seasonal farmworkers including water, food, cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, clothing and transportation to safe locations in two counties in eastern North Carolina.
“Additionally, Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Diocese of East Carolina as its parishes and deaneries respond to the needs of local communities by providing critical support such as food, water, gas cards, cleaning supplies as well as day care programs.”
For more information about the effort and a direct appeal from the Episcopal Bishops in the affected areas of the Carolinas see below.
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