Responding to Isaias

Web Statement

August 4, 2020

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting Episcopal dioceses and partners on the eastern coast of the United States as they prepare to respond to Tropical Storm Isaias.

The organization’s US Disaster Program is conducting coordination calls with bishops and church leaders from dioceses in Florida, Southeast Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, East Carolina, Virginia, Easton, Delaware, New Jersey and New York, as well as staff from the Episcopal Farmworkers Ministry, in preparation for Isaias. Many of the partners have reported, as of Tuesday morning, that they have not been severely impacted at this time. However, they are keeping watch in case assessments need to be done and are using this opportunity to test out their disaster response plans, which have been adapted in light of COVID-19, in preparation for future storms.

Episcopal Farmworker Ministry (EFwM), a long-term partner of Episcopal Relief & Development, has developed a community-led promoters program that enables them to reach people in rural areas to check-in and provide important updates. This program helps EFwM staff to continue to stay in contact with marginalized populations such as the  undocumented and H2A farm workers, many of whom live in substandard housing, and may be impacted more severely by the winds, rain and flooding from Isaias.

“Isaias is an early storm this season and we do expect to see more hurricanes in the coming weeks and months,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, US Disaster Program for Episcopal Relief & Development. “It is even more important this year, in light of COVID-19, for Episcopal Relief & Development and our partners to continue to reach out to and support the needs of vulnerable communities. We will continue to monitor the effects of Isaias in the days ahead.”

Please pray for all those affected by this storm. Donations to the Hurricane Relief Fund will help the Episcopal Relief & Development respond swiftly to hurricanes and tropical storms such as Isaias. To learn more about the organization’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, click here.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.

Photo Courtesy of NOAA