Episcopal Relief and Development is providing food assistance and repairing home damage in Rochester, New York, after an ice storm in April. The storm broke trees and water lines and left thousands homeless. Many people were housed in shelters causing a strain on food assistance for low-income people throughout the region. The President issued a disaster declaration for Monroe County after the storm.

"A weekly food program for people living below the poverty level had its resources depleted following the storm," said the Rt. Rev. Jack M. McKelvey, Bishop of Rochester. "Three other food pantries assisted more than three hundred low-income people, and basic staples need to be restored."

In Rochester, Episcopal Relief and Development is providing food supplies to families in need and assisting a disabled person with home electrical repairs. On behalf of the Episcopal Church, ERD has advanced $2,050 in emergency assistance to the Diocese of Rochester. The support is meeting current needs directly related to the April storm.