Episcopal Relief & Development and Trinity Church Wall Street Announce Partnership in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Episcopal Relief & Development and Trinity Church Wall Street are partnering on a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The partnership, supported by a $1,021,683 grant from Trinity Church Wall Street, will reach an estimated two million individuals with expanded relief efforts and strengthened resilience activities.

“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the communities where we work, both as an immediate health threat as well as a longer-term threat to the livelihoods and health of the vulnerable populations we serve,” said Rob Radtke, President & CEO, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We are deeply grateful for Trinity Church Wall Street’s generous support which will catalyze our efforts to respond to an increased number of vulnerable people around the world.”

The partnership is addressing the effects of COVID-19 in 43 countries, with a priority focus on Bangladesh, Brazil, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Madagascar, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Sudan and Sri Lanka. The specific priority countries were chosen in order to best leverage both organizations’ existing partnerships for the greatest long-term, sustainable results.

“Trinity believes it is our responsibility to help our brothers and sisters not just here in New York City, but those around the world who are harmed by the pandemic, especially those in the most vulnerable regions,” said the Rev. Phillip A. Jackson, Priest-in-Charge and Vicar of Trinity Church Wall Street. “We are proud to partner with Episcopal Relief & Development and know that through their network, millions of people in need will be helped.”

Episcopal Relief & Development, with Trinity Church Wall Street’s support, is working with local Anglican and Episcopal dioceses and other partners, to create specific emergency programs tailored to the most urgent needs and the existing assets and networks in each community. Relief activities will include direct cash transfers to ensure vulnerable households can meet basic needs, the distribution of food, personal protective equipment and basic sanitation supplies such as soap, and/or educational campaigns to spread critical information related to COVID-19 prevention and control.

Additionally, the partnership is also supporting local communities in resilience-focused interventions to help them prepare for and manage the potential long-term economic and health effects of the pandemic. The organizations are working together to identify ways to increase income, while still maintaining physical distancing, and to contribute to immediate health and safety needs. These programs are focused on women’s empowerment and ensuring that children, particularly those under age three, continue to be safeguarded and supported.

“Episcopal Relief & Development and our network of faith-based partners have the experience and established relationships, structures and expertise to bring humanitarian support to communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Abagail Nelson, Executive Vice President, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Our partners are already adapting and mobilizing to respond in ways to bring immediate relief while also creating long-term resilience.”

To learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s response to the novel coronavirus, visit the COVID-19 Pandemic Response page. Donations to the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund will enable the organization to continue to provide emergency aid to vulnerable communities impacted by the pandemic, both in the United States and around the world.

About Episcopal Relief & Development:

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.

About Trinity Church Wall Street:

Now in its fourth century, Trinity Church Wall Street is a growing and inclusive Episcopal parish of more than 1,200 members that seeks to serve and heal the world by building neighborhoods that live Gospel truths, generations of faithful leaders, and sustainable communities. The parish is guided by its core values: faith, integrity, inclusiveness, compassion, social justice, and stewardship. Members come from the five boroughs of New York City and surrounding areas to form a racially, ethnically, and economically diverse congregation. More than 20 worship services are offered every week at its historic sanctuaries, Trinity Church and St. Paul’s Chapel, the cornerstones of the parish’s community life, worship, and mission, and online at trinitywallstreet.org. The parish welcomes approximately 2 million visitors per year.

Photo Courtesy of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil