Episcopal Relief and Development is assisting tornado victims in west Tennessee. A series of deadly tornadoes hit the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States in May. The storm caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses in Tennessee. Hundreds of people were left homeless.

"[The city of] Jackson, Tennessee, and the surrounding county are still reeling from the tornado on May 4, 2003," said the Rt. Rev. Don E. Johnson, Bishop of West Tennessee. "The tornado struck east Jackson in an area where families live at or very near the poverty level," said Bishop Johnson. "Most families had no insurance or were under-insured."

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing beds, bedding, clothing, and essential furniture to families affected by tornadoes in Jackson. On behalf of the Episcopal Church, ERD has advanced $7,000 in emergency assistance to the Diocese of West Tennessee to help the uninsured and unemployed families. The Diocese is working with the Jackson Area Ministerial Association to help families rebuild their lives.