Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance to Florida communities affected by Hurricane Wilma. The Category 3 hurricane, which made landfall in south Florida on October 24, took 14 lives and caused an estimated $6-10 billion in damages. Four million residents remain without power. Heavy winds up to 100 mph damaged homes, businesses, and other structures. Hurricane Wilma was the 21st storm in the worst Atlantic hurricane season on record.
In partnership with the Dioceses of Southeast and Southwest Florida, ERD is providing emergency relief to people affected by Hurricane Wilma. In the Diocese of Southeast Florida, ERD's assistance will help parishes in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties to supply food, shelter, and other needs to vulnerable populations in areas impacted by the hurricane. The storm surge generated in Martin County damaged or destroyed several hundred homes and businesses in the Florida Keys. On Marco Island in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, ERD's partnership will provide food, clothes, emergency supplies, and counseling to the working poor.
"ERD is focused on rebuilding lives and communities in the areas impacted by Wilma," said Robert W. Radtke, ERD President. "We pray for a swift recovery and are grateful that ERD can be of assistance."
ERD staff is in communication with the Diocese of Southeast Mexico where Hurricane Wilma hit the Yucatan Peninsula, killing at least seven people. The storm slammed Cancun, Cozumel, and other communities on the Caribbean coastline. ERD will provide emergency assistance as needs are identified.
To help people affected by Hurricane Wilma, make a donation to the 2005 Hurricane Fund at www.er-d.org , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, 2005 Hurricane Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
