Episcopal Relief and Development is working with Episcopal dioceses affected by Hurricane Rita. The hurricane made landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border early Saturday morning with 120 mph winds. Up to 15 inches of water caused by flooding is left in some areas.

Hardest hit by the storm were the southwestern Louisiana parishes of Vermilion, Creole, Cameron, and Port Lafourche as well as the Texas towns of Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Sabine Pass. After levees broke in New Orleans, heavy flooding caused additional damage in areas already devastated by Hurricane Katrina. 

ERD staff has been working with our partners in dioceses affected by Hurricane Katrina and is in communication with those hit again by Hurricane Rita including the Dioceses of Western Louisiana, Texas, and Louisiana. Abagail Nelson, Vice President of Program for ERD, is in already in Baton Rouge. Nelson is conducting an assessment and working with dioceses to plan a multi-year recovery program. 

“ERD is moved by the incredible generosity of Episcopalians both around the country and around the world,” said Robert W. Radtke, ERD President. “Donations for Hurricane Katrina are coming in at a faster rate than donations did for the tsunami. We know that the sums necessary to restore lives in the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans will be considerable and we are committed to long-term recovery in the region,” said Radtke.

ERD will work with diocesan partners to develop a long-term, comprehensive rehabilitation program to help communities affected by both hurricanes. We are in the process of determining needs together with the dioceses and our work will likely include programs such as trauma counseling, psychosocial care, and help with the unmet needs of vulnerable populations.

To make a contribution to help people affected by the hurricanes, please donate to the 2005 Hurricane Fund by credit card at http://www.er-d.org/ or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o 2005 Hurricane Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) 3 organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.