RSSJune 2008 Midwest Floods: Update
8/15/08
Episcopal Relief & Development continues to support the recovery and clean up efforts in flood-ravaged communities throughout the Midwest.
In the state of Iowa alone, the damage approaches $10 billion. Governor Chet Culver asked Congress for additional aid for his stricken state, citing an estimated $1.2 billion in unmet needs, mainly in the housing sector.
Abagail Nelson, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Senior Vice President for Program, recently toured several hard-hit Iowa communities visiting with clergy and representatives from the diocese. “The damage is sobering,” she stated. “Many areas were partially underwater, and entire business districts have been wiped out, impacting jobs and economic prospects. These communities will need long-term assistance to recover fully,” Nelson continued. “It is life affirming however to see our churches reaching out to all in need, cleaning up the damage, gutting out the hardest hit homes, and providing pastoral care and space for respite. Our churches are at the forefront of local activities from Burlington, to Cedar Rapids to Waverly, and volunteer groups from all around the country, continue responding to the work in strong solidarity.”
After the flooding, Episcopal Relief & Development partnered with the Diocese of Iowa to provide emergency assistance for affected individuals, including temporary shelter and rental assistance. Volunteer groups continue to clean out homes and have begun repairing those that can be salvaged, and now the diocese is working with Episcopal Relief & Development on the long term recovery plans. Peter Gudaitis, a consultant working with Episcopal Relief and Development, also traveled recently to the Diocese of Indianapolis to follow up on long term recovery programs for those impacted by the flooding.
Throughout the Midwest, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked in tandem with the dioceses of Fond du Lac, Iowa, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Quincy and Missouri to assess needs, and respond to the concerns of those impacted by the flooding earlier this summer.
To contribution to relive the suffering of families impacted by flooding in the Midwest, please donate to Episcopal Relief & Development’s “Midwest Flood Fund” online at www.er-d.org , or call 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development “Midwest Flood Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
