(07/25/03) The Rev. Carl Harris, a consultant for Episcopal Relief and Development, went to Iraq in June to assess the needs of people in the country following the war. Mr. Harris, who has worked with nongovernmental organizations in Kosovo, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Vietnam, described Iraq as a very dangerous place. "I saw the challenges many families face and how they experience daily life in Baghdad and Mosul," said Mr. Harris, who is also an Episcopal priest.

As part of ERD's long-term response to needs of the people in Iraq, Mr. Harris evaluated the immediate needs of the most vulnerable Iraqi people.

Mr. Harris visited the home of a blind, elderly woman in Mosul. "She lived in a one-room apartment and had no resources. She had no family and depended on food from a local church," said Mr. Harris.

Others that Mr. Harris visited told of living in fear. "Many Iraqis are reluctant to leave their homes for fear of vicious mugging," he said. "Other people don't want to leave their houses unguarded, since they are targets of opportunity for looters."

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing food assistance to people who have limited access to food in Mosul and Baghdad. Women heading households, the disabled, and the elderly receive canned meats, powered milk, pasta, beans, and other food items that are distributed with the help of ERD. ERD is supplying food through a partnership with World Concern and Manara Ministries in Iraq. An initial contribution of $25,000 in emergency assistance is helping people in Iraq receive critical food supplies.

"The current challenges to peace in Iraq are significant, but ERD is committed to getting humanitarian assistance to those in need," said Mary Becchi, Deputy Director of Program and Program Planning. "We remain focused on addressing the basic human needs of Iraqis by providing food assistance, medical supplies, clean water, and sanitation systems. ERD prays for peace for the Iraqi people and reconstruction of their land," says Becchi.

As the official development agency of the Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief and Development provides immediate assistance to people in the midst of crisis. ERD has a history of serving as an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world.

To learn more about ERD's work worldwide, visit http://www.er-d.org/. To donate to the Iraqi Conflict Fund or other ERD programs, visit http://www.er-d.org/ or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129.