Episcopal Relief and Development [ERD] has made an urgent appeal for relief funds in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Malaika Kamunanwire, director of communications for ERD, told The Living Church that the Episcopal Church’s disaster relief and economic development agency had been in contact with the dioceses affected by the storm that struck South Florida and the Gulf Coast.

The Diocese of Mississippi, she said, had been given an emergency grant of $10,000 to assess damage. “ERD support will help the diocese provide aid to community members through two mobile response trailers, which are equipped with supplies like chainsaws and generators to assist in the recovery,” an Aug 29 statement said.

“What we are hearing is that people are lucky to be alive,” Ms. Kamunanwire told TLC. Financial assistance from ERD “does make a difference” as “we are able to reach the most vulnerable” through the local churches and diocese.

Initial cost estimates from the insurance industry predict Katrina will cause between $12 and $25 billion in damages, making it the most destructive hurricane, in terms of property loss, in U.S. history.

The crisis isn’t over once the television news crews depart, ERD President Robert W. Radtke told TLC. While food, potable water and shelter for those driven from their homes are immediate needs, “there will be a need for long term financial assistance” for “vulnerable families,” Dr. Radtke said.

With tens of thousands of homes destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, “transitional housing” will be a long-term need for many in Louisiana and Mississippi, he said.

Dr. Radtke asked Episcopalians to hold up in prayer those affected by the hurricane. Financial assistance is also needed as “we want the entire Church,” he said, to help us to “assist in ways identified by the bishops.” ERD funds are not disbursed directly to the victims of the storm but are passed on to the dioceses for distribution.

To make an ERD contribution to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina, please donate to the US Hurricane Fund by credit card here or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can also be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o US Hurricane Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

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