September 27, 2018
Episcopal Relief & Development Continues to Respond After Hurricane Florence
Episcopal Relief & Development is continuing its support of the impacted Episcopal dioceses in North Carolina and South Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
In partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, Episcopal Relief & Development is offering critical emergency aid including food, water, gas cards, cleaning supplies and other essentials.
Episcopal Relief & Development is also working with the Episcopal Church in South Carolina to provide rent and utility assistance to those affected, in addition to partnering with local health and social service organizations to cover costs associated with medical care programs and supplies.
With rising floodwaters in the Carolinas, local communities are still dealing with anticipated flooding of up to 10 feet on the South Carolina coast. Residents are also concerned about the possibility of contaminated water due to pollution and toxins. In preparation, more shelters have opened in South Carolina as residents are urged to evacuate and the state’s Emergency Management Division is distributing sandbags throughout the local counties. The current death toll has risen to 48.
Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster team is in regular contact with church partners in the impacted regions. In addition, the organization is supporting the work of the affected dioceses and the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, a joint ministry of the Episcopal dioceses of East Carolina and North Carolina, to provide essentials such as food, water and clothing to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in two counties of eastern North Carolina.
“Our prayers go out to the residents of North and South Carolina dealing with the impact of Hurricane Florence,” said Katie Mears, Senior Director for Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster Program. “We remain committed to providing support and resources to our Episcopal Church partners as they continue to help people in their communities recover.”
Please continue to pray for those impacted by Hurricane Florence. Donations to the Hurricane Relief Fund will help Episcopal Relief & Development respond to this crisis.
For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.