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RSSEpiscopal Relief & Development Supports Coastal Communities Affected by Oil Spill
June 14, 2010
On April 20, 2010, an offshore oil rig exploded and sank in the Gulf Coast, causing a massive oil leak that is threatening coastal communities. In the wake of this disaster, Episcopal Relief & Development is working closely with the Diocese of Louisiana to assist those most impacted. The agency is also in communication with the Dioceses of Mississippi and the Central Gulf Coast to determine the best course of action.
In Louisiana, the Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the activities of Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana (ECSLA) and its partner Bayou Grace Community Services. These agencies are working to reach affected coastal communities in the state’s five-bayou parish of Terrebonne.
“ECSLA has been able to leverage their existing ministries and connections and build on the knowledge gained during the Katrina response, which has given them a real advantage in responding to this crisis,” said Katie Mears, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Program Manager for USA Disaster Preparedness and Response. “The work in Louisiana is already reaching people who might otherwise fall through the cracks because they can’t access sufficient resources, whether due to transportation challenges, lack of information or uncertainty about the different avenues they might pursue for assistance.”
Critical support is already reaching the people of Terrebonne. Representatives from ECSLA have opened accounts at local grocery stores and are distributing grocery cards to families in need. Gas cards are being provided to those who must travel to reach stores and food is also being distributed directly from the Dulac Community Center. In addition to food assistance, volunteers will provide legal support, pastoral care and information referrals both at the Bayou Grace office in Chauvin and with the help of an ECSLA vehicle. The RV will pass through the area on a set schedule, bringing information to those unable to travel to Chauvin.
“We’ve been in contact with the Dioceses of Mississippi and the Central Gulf Coast as well,” continued Mears. “Programs that were put in place to help Katrina survivors in Mississippi continue to operate, including food pantries run through individual parishes. Both dioceses are currently performing thorough needs assessments to determine what else is needed in the communities made vulnerable by this disaster.”
“In addition to providing support throughout that process, Episcopal Relief & Development is standing by, ready to provide necessary assistance in the coming weeks and months.”
