Episcopal Relief & Development continues to provide technical support and emergency assistance following Hurricane Harvey, as diocesan partners assess damage and respond to critical needs in the affected areas.
Now downgraded to a tropical depression, the storm has claimed at least 42 lives, forcing over a million people to evacuate their homes after torrential rain, devastating winds and widespread flooding.
Currently, the US Disaster team is closely coordinating with the Episcopal dioceses of Texas, West Texas and Western Louisiana to provide urgent support. The slow-moving storm devastated coastal communities, leaving them without basic infrastructure. In many of these low-lying areas, there are major power outages and extensive damage to homes and other property.
Episcopal Relief & Development is sending direct support to help the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas provide gift cards to vulnerable individuals and families on the westside of Corpus Christi, four inland communities and three coastal areas including Rockport and Port Aransas. These gift cards will enable people to purchase food, water, basic hygiene products as well as cleaning supplies and power tools.
“Our church partners are deeply focused on providing critical assistance and outreach activities in remotes places,” said Katie Mears, Director of Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster Program. “I’m extremely proud of their thoughtful approach to ministry and commitment to respecting people’s dignity as they compassionately respond to this crisis.”
Please continue to pray for impacted communities and contribute to the Hurricane Harvey Response Fund to assist local church partners as they respond to urgent needs.
Trinity by the Sea parishioners boarded up their Port Aransas, Texas, church on Aug. 23rd before they evacuated. “The Lord Bless You” was spray painted on plywood covering one of the doors.
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with dioceses throughout the affected areas in Texas and Louisiana as they assess the ongoing impact of Hurricane Harvey and prepare to respond.
