Disaster Response
Episcopal Relief & Development works through a global network of local faith and community partners to support people impacted by disasters and other crises like c
People impacted by natural disasters or human-made crises like conflict need immediate relief. Communities need long-term investment. With our local partners, we provide both.
Immediate relief, long-term support
Our long-established network of local partners helps us get people the support they need, such as:
- medical care and supplies to people impacted by epidemics
- housing, employment and counseling to people impacted by war
- gas, groceries and hot meals to people affected by hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding.
“We are in the communities before disaster strikes and we are there for the long haul.” –Robert W. Radke, President & CEO, Episcopal Relief & Development
At the same time, we help communities prepare for the future. We take the time to understand a community’s existing strengths, assets and resources. We share our expertise in disaster preparedness and resilience. With our partners and local leaders, we design programs that help communities make a full and sustained recovery.
“We cannot prevent disasters, nor can we remove all threats and hazards from our lives. But we can increase our resilience to them – our capacity to absorb, mitigate, adjust to and recover from adverse events and circumstances” –Dr Janice Proud, Anglican Alliance Disaster Response and Resilience Manager
A holistic response
We commit to communities long term, from disaster preparedness to response and recovery. With faith and local leaders, we help people get the services they need, when they need it.
Responding to disasters
- Provide access to food, water, transportation, health and counseling services, and other social services
- Build temporary housing and provide relocation support to support stability
- Offer employment opportunities to jump-start economic recovery
- Connect local, regional and international disaster responders to share best practices
Supporting disaster preparedness and recovery
- Install early alert systems
- Identify evacuation routes
- Develop household preparedness kits
- Establish inclusive disaster mitigation and response plans free from emotional, physical or financial discrimination and abuse
- Provide co-learning and exchange opportunities to improve program implementation
Learn more
Dive into the details of our disaster response work. Start by exploring our interactive map to see what we’re doing around the world. Browse our resources on disaster response, including our Pastors and Disasters Toolkit and The Resilience Course. Then, hear from program participants about their experiences on the ground.
Explore the map | Browse resources | Read stories of change
Support Disaster Response programs
Help us make an immediate and lasting difference to communities impacted by natural and human-made disasters. Donate to our US relief fund or international relief fund. 90 percent of every donor dollar supports locally-led programs that have a demonstrated impact.
Photo: Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Response, Photo courtesy of International Blue Crescent
