Five years ago today, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City and Pentagon in Virginia, killing nearly 3,000 people. Immediately after the disaster, Episcopal Relief and Development responded, providing food and other supplies to rescue workers at Ground Zero. In the initial days, months and years that followed, we supported families directly affected by the tragedy and people indirectly impacted, including low-income and undocumented workers who lost their jobs. ERD’s assistance also trained chaplains who offered trauma counseling. As part of our long-term work, the Interfaith Education Initiative, a joint project between ERD and the Episcopal Church’s Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, provided a curriculum and educational resources to further interfaith understanding and cross-cultural dialogue.

And today, ERD continues its commitment to long-term rebuilding following the September 11th tragedy.

“As we mark the fifth year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, ERD remembers those who perished on September 11th  as well those who conducted one of the most heroic rescues operations in history,” said Robert W. Radtke, ERD President.

Working in partnership with the New York Disaster Interfaith Services, ERD is supporting interfaith education and recovery programs which include dialogues and interagency support that promotes interfaith understanding, tolerance, and conflict resolution.

“ERD has been a visionary partner, ensuring people affected by 9/11 are given appropriate support and access to resources including case management,” said Peter Gudaitis, Executive Director and CEO for New York Disaster Interfaith Services. “ERD’s support has focused on the unmet needs [such as mental health and pastoral cares] of under-resourced communities in New York City including survivors, families and injured recovery workers. The partnership has benefited 1000 families each year since 2001,” said Gudaitis.

“September 11th underscores that the importance of being prepared for disasters is critical,” said Richard Ohlsen, ERD’s Director of Domestic Disaster Response and Preparedness. “ERD’s work with dioceses across the country is helping to build a disaster preparedness program so they can respond quickly and effectively if and when a disaster occurs,” said Ohlsen.

To make a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development, please visit http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, P.O. Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.