Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance to Greenburg, Kansas and other communities in Kansas affected by tornadoes and flooding.
From May 4-6, many towns in Kansas suffered significant damage after tornadoes swept across the state. In the town of Greenburg, an EF-5 tornado destroyed 90 percent of the town and killed 10 people. The tornado destroyed buildings in the town’s downtown district and many homes were ruined. The storms triggered flooding throughout the state.
ERD is working with the Dioceses of Western Kansas and Kansas to provide critical assistance to communities affected by the storms. ERD will also support the dioceses through the Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC). This newly created committee will provide information and help for disaster victims during recovery process including psychological counseling and aid for communities that do not qualify for federal assistance.
The Dioceses of Western Kansas and Kansas are working with the Kansas State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (KSVOAD). The dioceses are coordinating their response needs with other faith-based and secular organizations.
“In the short-term, there are a lot of agencies that are assisting victims. We are grateful that ERD and other Episcopal dioceses will help in the long-term efforts by funding expenses which will help people rebuild their lives,” said the Rt. Rev. James M. Adams Jr., Bishop of the Diocese of Western Kansas.
To help people affected by disasters, please make a donation to the Emergency Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, 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.
