Episcopal Relief and Development is working through the Diocese of Atlanta to help residents in Pickens County, Georgia, after a tornado hit the area. The county, located about 45 miles north of Atlanta, was hit by a category F-2 tornado in November 2002. The storm's path was a quarter-mile wide and at least five miles long and carried high winds. There were 142 structures damaged and 26 were completely destroyed.

"The local churches have worked through governmental and nongovernmental agencies to the best extent that they can," says the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Bishop of Atlanta. "However, there still remains damage that has not been repaired," states Bishop Alexander.

A $25,000 emergency grant from Episcopal Relief and Development to the Diocese of Atlanta will assist in repairing the homes of individuals who were uninsured and underinsured. The funds will provide repairs for roofs, windows, siding, and other damages caused by the tornado.