Responding to Hurricane Debby in the United States
Responding to Hurricane Debby in the United States
Web Statement
August 20, 2024
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with Episcopal dioceses along the east coast to respond to immediate needs created by Hurricane Debby that first made landfall in Florida on August 5 before traveling north.
During the week prior to the storm, Episcopal Relief & Development staff reached out to partners in the projected line of impact to consult with them on their preparedness plans. On Monday, August 12, Episcopal Relief & Development held a coordinating call for seven impacted dioceses along the east coast from Florida to Vermont. During the call, they provided expertise on how to respond, referrals to local and government funding and tools, and other support. Since then, staff have been coordinating with individual impacted dioceses to develop responses that use their existing gifts, including ministries and community ties, to meet the needs of their neighbors.
Immediately after a disaster, communities often face subsequent hazardous conditions such as unsafe roads, downed trees, flooding, landslides and even other weather events like tornadoes. Many people who have evacuated are waiting to return, and their lives are ultimately on hold. All are advised to not travel to areas that have recently experienced a disaster, and to refrain from sending items until they have been requested by the affected community.
Episcopal Relief & Development remains in communication with the impacted dioceses and is walking alongside them as they move through the phases of this disaster. Please pray for their recovery and consider donating to the US Disaster Response Fund to help provide emergency and long-term recovery support to people affected by Hurricane Debby and other recent disasters.
For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked with an extensive network of faith and community partners to advance lasting change in communities affected by injustice, poverty, disaster and climate change. Inspired by our faith, we reach over three million people each year by focusing on four interconnected priorities: nurturing the potential of caregivers and young children, reducing violence against women and girls, strengthening communities’ resilience to climate change and facilitating humanitarian response to disasters. Together with our partners, we leverage what’s working well to drive impact, learning and sustainability. Together, we create lasting change. Join us: www.episcopalrelief.org/sign-up
