Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) will respond to the tragedy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University by providing emergency support to the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.
On Monday, April 16th, 32 people were killed and more than 15 were injured. An ongoing investigation is still underway by university officials and Virginia State police.
Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine declared Friday, April 20th as a day of mourning for the victims. A moment of silence was observed at noon. Churches nationwide plan to hold vigils and prayer services for those impacted by this tragedy.
ERD is working with the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia and will provide critical assistance including counseling to the Virginia Tech community. In Blacksburg, several Virginia Tech faculty and staff attend Christ Episcopal Church which is serving as a pastoral care and counseling center for the community. The church also supports the Canterbury House Episcopal ministry, which is housed on Virginia Tech’s campus.
To make a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development’s “Emergency Relief Fund”, please visit http://www.er.d.org/ or call 1-800-3347626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, “Emergency Relief Fund”, P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
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. ERD’s programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. 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.
