Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the
Episcopal Diocese of Florida, the
Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and
the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest
Florida to support people and families impacted by Hurricane
Helene.
NEW
YORK, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --
Following Hurricane Helene, the deadly Category 4 storm that caused
widespread damage throughout the southern US, Episcopal Relief
& Development is working with church leaders within the
Episcopal Diocese of Florida, the
Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and
the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest
Florida to support survivors.
"Our emergency responses are great examples
of doing what we can to help people where they currently are. As
the stages of this disaster progress, people's needs will change
and we are prepared to accommodate them." -- Katie Mears, Senior Technical Specialist,
Disaster Risk and Resilience
In partnership with the Diocese of Florida, Episcopal Relief & Development is
providing gift cards to impacted families in the Apalachee and Santa Fe regions of Florida.
With the Diocese of Southwest
Florida, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing
gift cards and household items to families in places including
St. Petersburg, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.
Farther north, in partnership with the Diocese of Georgia, Episcopal Relief & Development is
providing gift cards and distributing water, food, clothing and
fuel to families in need in the cities of Valdosta, Vidalia, Louisville, Augusta and the surrounding areas.
These partnerships will help during the critical first week
after impact, before additional support becomes available and
longer term needs for debris removal, temporary housing, mental
health support and other services can begin.
"Our emergency responses are great examples of doing what we can
to help people where they currently are," said Katie Mears, Senior Technical Specialist,
Disaster Risk and Resilience, Episcopal Relief & Development.
"As the stages of this disaster progress, people's needs will
change and we are prepared to accommodate them."
Episcopal Relief & Development also continues to support
church and community leaders throughout North Carolina, Tennessee and South
Carolina as they assess the impact and determine immediate
needs.
Hurricane Helene created life-threatening conditions throughout
the South, killing at least 160 people. Homes and other structures
were destroyed by mudslides, tornadoes and flooding. In some areas,
there are significant communication issues due to a lack of cell
service and power outages. Downed trees and other road blockages
are preventing supplies from reaching the communities in need.
Additional health concerns include a scarcity of potable water.
Please pray for the people affected by Hurricane Helene and
consider donating to the Hurricane Relief Fund to support their
recovery.
ABOUT EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT
For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked
with an extensive network of faith and community partners to
advance lasting change in communities affected by injustice,
poverty, disaster and climate change. Inspired by our faith, we
reach over three million people each year by focusing on four
interconnected priorities: nurturing the potential of caregivers
and young children, reducing violence against women and girls,
strengthening communities' resilience to climate change and
facilitating humanitarian response to disasters. Together with our
partners, we leverage what's working well to drive impact, learning
and sustainability. Together, we create lasting change. Join us:
http://www.episcopalrelief.org/sign-up
Media Contact
Matt Hobson, Episcopal Relief
& Development, 667-207-9366, mhobson@episcopalrelief.org
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SOURCE Episcopal Relief & Development