Imagine living without a place to call home. Today, over 17 million people live as refugees and internally displaced people in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development is committed to their needs and provides food, shelter, and other life-saving supplies. ERD partners with Anglican and ecumenical organizations in countries such as the Sudan, Liberia, Haiti, and other areas where natural disasters and war have forced people to flee their homes. Long-term development programs help refugees rebuild their lives and provide them with opportunities to build a future for themselves and their children.

"Episcopal Relief and Development was founded to assist refugees fleeing Europe during World War II," said Sandra Swan, ERD President.

"Today, through our emergency relief program, we continue to help people who are forced out of their homes and communities."

Most recently, ERD has partnered with the Episcopal Church of Sudan to assess the needs of people caught in increasing violence and acts on genocide in and around the Darfur region. One million people have fled fighting in the area. A disaster-relief team will deliver food and other critical supplies to vulnerable people living in the region. ERD will continue to work with displaced families and provide long-term development assistance.

To assist refugees and internally displaced people through our emergency relief program, donate to Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Emergency Relief Fund, at http://www.er-d.org/, or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Episcopal Relief and Development saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of disaster. When the immediate crisis is over, we rebuild devastated communities and offer long-term solutions in the areas of food security, health care, and HIV/AIDS.