Supporting Partners Affected by Hurricane Ian
Partnering to Provide Food Relief in Florida after Hurricane Ian
Web Statement
October 26, 2022
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida to provide food relief to people affected by Hurricane Ian, which caused extensive damage in Florida at the end of September.
Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm, killed 109 people and caused an estimated $60 billion in property damage. Two million people were displaced by the hurricane and the widespread flooding and damage made it difficult for people to access basic needs like clean water and food.
The Diocese of Central Florida, with Episcopal Relief & Development’s support, is meeting the need for increased demand for food among people displaced by the hurricane. In addition, they will also be working with their neighboring dioceses to store and distribute supplies as needed.
“The Diocese of Central Florida has an extensive network of church and community partners dating back to hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Tamara Plummer, Program Officer, US Disaster Program, Episcopal Relief & Development. “These relationships and experience aiding displaced persons have allowed them to reach those hardest hit by the storm immediately and remain present in the weeks and months to come.”
Please continue to pray for everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Ian. Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Hurricane Relief Fund will provide additional emergency relief in communities impacted by storms such as Ian.
For over 80 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.
Episcopal Relief & Development Partners with Episcopal Dioceses to Provide Emergency Assistance after Hurricane Ian
Press Release
October 6, 2022
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal dioceses of Southwest Florida and Florida to provide supplies and direct financial assistance to people affected by Hurricane Ian.
Over 100 people have been killed by Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm that made landfall in Florida on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. Thousands of people remain without power and many do not have access to clean drinking water as officials continue to survey the damage to homes and businesses.
With Episcopal Relief & Development’s support, the Diocese of Southwest Florida is providing direct financial assistance in the counties hardest hit by the storm. Local communities will use the aid to purchase gas and groceries, and for other special needs as they arise.
The Diocese of Florida, in partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, is distributing blankets, sleeping bags and providing direct financial assistance to unhoused people and storm survivors. They will also work to replenish local food pantries and damaged community garden spaces that provide fresh food to communities affected by poverty.
“As power is being restored in some areas and roads are being cleared, the extent of the damage is becoming more clear,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, US Disaster Program, Episcopal Relief & Development. “The dioceses in Florida have worked hard over the past several years to prepare, which has allowed them to quickly respond with assistance where it is most needed, both in the short-term and in the years to come.”
Episcopal Relief & Development US Disaster Program staff are working closely with partners throughout Florida as they continue to identify ways to collaborate in meeting needs created by the hurricane.
Please continue to pray for everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Ian. Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Hurricane Relief Fund will provide additional emergency relief in communities impacted by storms such as Ian.
For over 80 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.
Supporting Partners Affected by Hurricane Ian
Web Statement
September 29, 2022
Episcopal Relief & Development is in close contact with Episcopal dioceses in the southern United States and Cuba in response to Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Cuba on Tuesday and in southwest Florida on Wednesday.
In Cuba, the category 3 storm killed two people and knocked out power to the entire country.
“The Episcopal Church in Cuba has mobilized its local disaster committees who are assessing the damage, and potential responses, in their communities,” said Kellie McDaniel, Senior Facilitator, Training & International Development, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We pray for the people of Cuba who are living through several recent disasters.”
Hurricane Ian intensified to a category 4 storm before making landfall again on Wednesday near Port Charlotte, Florida with winds of 150 m.p.h. As of Thursday morning, more than two million people were without power and a storm surge of up to 12 feet caused severe flooding. The storm also caused flooding in the Florida Keys after heavy rain on Tuesday night. It is expected to reach Georgia and South Carolina by Friday.
Dioceses in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina have been preparing this week by checking in with communities in the storm’s path, testing emergency communications systems and coordinating with area agencies.
“Our partners in the southern United States have deep roots in the community and are using their relationships to assess the needs caused by Hurricane Ian,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, US Disaster Program, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We stand ready to assist in the coming days and weeks.”
Please pray for the people impacted by the storm. Donations to the Hurricane Relief Fund will support Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners as they respond.
For over 80 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.
