Episcopal Relief and Development is furthering its relief and recovery efforts in communities in western Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A partnership with the Diocese of Western Louisiana is providing assistance in areas devastated by Hurricane Rita and communities where people displaced by Hurricane Katrina were relocated.
Hurricane Rita, which struck the Gulf Coast on September 24, destroyed homes, businesses, and the economy of several coastal communities in Louisiana including those in the areas of Vermilion, Creole, Cameron, and Port Lafourche. Thousands of houses were swept away and local industries, especially shrimping and oyster farming, are devastated.
“Last week, I had an opportunity to journey down to Lake Charles and surrounding area to see first hand what had taken place and to check on clergy and parishioners that were affected by Hurricane Rita,” said the Rt. Rev. D. Bruce MacPherson, Bishop of Western Louisiana. “ERD’s assistance will help in some of the places that have stepped out in faith and cared for displaced people, and some were indeed amongst those who have very limited budgets but did so because of the tremendous need of the moment,” said Bishop MacPherson.
The hurricane destroyed the town of Cameron and destroyed or damaged many homes beyond repair in Abbeville and Sulphur. “Parishes throughout the diocese, many of whom have offered hospitality to victims of Hurricane Katrina, have now come to the aid of evacuees of Hurricane Rita who have no home to which they can return,” said Mark Spina, ERD Program Director.
Episcopal Relief and Development’s partnership with the Diocese of Western Louisiana will assist parishes reaching out to displaced people in the region and supply food and shelter. ERD’s support will also assist with evacuation and relocation expenses. The partnership will also help in coordinating the diocese’s disaster recovery activities and work with a coordinator to organize collection and relief points in the Lake Charles and Acadiana convocations which includes the Vermilion parish and the area near Abbeville and Sulphur.
Please visit the Hurricane Response Center at http://www.er-d.org/ for more information on ERD’s four-phase response to the hurricanes.
To support ERD’s Hurricane Response or other programs, please donate at http://www.er-d.org/.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) 3 organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
