Episcopal Relief and Development is responding to tornado victims in Wisconsin. Through the Diocese of Eau Claire, ERD is helping residents in Ladysmith, after a tornado struck the small town located in the northwest portion of the state. The force three tornado touched down on September 2, destroying over 130 homes, buildings, and other structures in a four-block-wide and 15-block-long radius. Damages are estimated at more than $152 million.

"The area that was heavily affected by the tornado was primarily in the economically-disadvantaged downtown area where many low-income families lived and lost everything," says the Rev. Jeanne Stout, Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Eau Claire.

Episcopal Relief and Development has awarded a $20,000 emergency grant to the Diocese which will be used to provide victims with shelter and other necessities including food and clothing. "Of all the wonderful ways that help so many people, ERD is the fastest to respond and the most gracious," says Stout.