This summer, wildfires raged through regions of Montana. Three dozen large fires burned over 300,000 acres of land destroying buildings and homes. The Missoula and Bitterroot valleys filled with thick smoke following high temperatures, dry conditions, and high winds.

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing air purification systems to low income and vulnerable households in the Diocese of Montana who are without central air-conditioning units.

"We spent close to two weeks with a Stage II air quality alert issued by the county health department," said the Rev. Jean Collins, Rector of St. Stephen's Church in Stevensville, Montana. "At times, we entered Stage III meaning it was hazardous to be outside especially for people such as the elderly and children," said Ms. Collins.

On behalf of the people in the Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief and Development is helping the children, the elderly, and people suffering with asthma by providing 150 air purifiers. ERD has advanced $15,000 in emergency assistance to the Diocese towards the purchase and distribution of the purifiers.

To learn more about ERD's work worldwide and to support its programs, visit http://www.er-d.org/ or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129.

Episcopal Relief and Development is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance in times of disaster, rebuilds devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over, andoffers long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives.