Episcopal Relief and Development has approved a $500,000 project to the Anglican Diocese of Belize. The project will provide housing for victims of Hurricane Keith, which struck Belize in October 2000.

Working in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Belize, Episcopal Relief and Development is building 30 houses in Caye Caulker, an island along the northern coastline. The residents of the island have not received any government funds for rebuilding after the hurricane. The program began July 1, 2001.

The project will provide potable water and sewage facilities. It will also address economic development and job training initiatives for participating families. For information on volunteering and supporting this project, please visit www.er-d.org/b1.htm.

Last year, Episcopal Relief and Development provided $50,000 to the Anglican Diocese of Belize to install water purification units in five communities in the Belize River Valley. These units helped prevent water-borne diseases after the floods following Hurricane Keith.

Episcopal Relief and Development is the collective response of Episcopalians to help people in need. Its programs of emergency relief, rehabilitation, and long-term development are geared to strengthen local communities in the United States and around the world.