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General Feature
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Episcopal Relief and Development Lifts Families Out of Poverty
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.
For more than 60 years, ERD has worked in more than 100 countries. Formerly known as the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief, the organization’s name was changed to Episcopal Relief and Development in July 2000. Episcopal Relief and Development is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit organization governed by a 20-person Board of Directors. Here’s how ERD works:
EMERGENCY RELIEF
ERD provides relief after natural and human-made disasters strike by supplying food, water, shelter, and other basic necessities. ERD does this by providing funding and expertise to local Anglican/Episcopal entities in the affected area. Sometimes, ERD partners with ecumenical organizations.
REBUILDING
ERD helps rebuild after the immediate crisis is over by remaining with communities. ERD partners with local communities to construct new buildings, replant crops, restore clean water systems, and repair clinics and schools.
DEVELOPMENT
ERD finds long-term solutions that make life safer, healthier, and more productive. ERD focuses on primary health and food security programs to empower communities as they fight the effects of systemic poverty. In partnership with Episcopal and Anglican Churches and grassroots organizations, ERD helps people earn an income for their families by providing them with seeds, training, and livestock. ERD builds medical clinics, supports home care for HIV/AIDS patients, and trains rural health workers to prevent diseases such as Malaria and tuberculosis.
FOOD SECURITY
ERD gives families access to food and helps people earn an income. ERD trains and educates families to grow their own food and ensures they have enough food to eat on a daily basis. ERD lifts communities out of poverty by giving people better seeds and tools and provides training and assistance to start small businesses.
PRIMARY HEALTH
ERD helps children and families live longer and healthier lives. ERD’s primary health program train health care workers, provides access to live-saving medicines and medical treatment, builds clean water systems, educates and trains communities in malaria prevention and cares for people suffering with HIV/AIDS.
ERD: An opportunity to touch lives around the world
Put Your Faith to Work!
ERD has on-going opportunities for individuals and groups to volunteer at one of our program sites. Put your faith and skills to work in a variety of activities and settings. To find out more about our volunteer opportunities, contact The Rev. Lynn Sanders at (800) 334-7626, ext. 6189 or lsanders@er-d.org.
Support ERD!
ERD, a 501(c)(3) organization, is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Join Episcopalians who partner with ERD to reach people in need. Your gifts make a vital difference in lives around the world. To make a contribution, call us at (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129, visit our website at http://www.er-d.org/, or mail your donation to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA, 22116-7058.
Join the Network!
ERD’s Network Representatives play a significant role in helping to serve people suffering around the world. Representatives are in diocese, parishes, and seminaries around the United States and work as our partners in mission—connecting Episcopalians to people in need. For more information about becoming a member of the Network, contact Luke Fodor at lfodor@er-d.org.
PRAY!
Please take time to remember those who are suffering. We must continually pray for peace, justice, healing and reconciliation in world. We encourage you to use the Prayer for Episcopal Relief and Development. You can order the ERD prayer card through Episcopal Book and Resources.
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