Episcopal Relief and Development is preparing to respond to Hurricane Ivan with emergency assistance to affected communities in the Caribbean and United States. Hurricane Ivan has already caused heavy damage to the islands of Grenada, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica and threatens areas in the Gulf of Mexico including the Florida panhandle, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

ERD will keep you informed about developments regarding the devastating storm. For updates online, please visit www.er-d.org

To make a contribution and help people affected by hurricanes in the Caribbean and United States, donate to the 2004 Hurricane Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/ or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o 2004 Hurricane Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ, 07101.

A bulletin insert can be used in parishes to respond to the recent hurricanes in the southeastern United States. Please visit resources page to download a copy. This week, we will make an insert available on the hurricane in the Caribbean.

Episcopal Relief and Development stands ready to help people affected by Hurricane Ivan. ERD will work with affected dioceses to provide critical assistance such as food, temporary shelter, clothing, and medicine to vulnerable children and families.

Please continue praying for people affected by the hurricanes.

Episcopal Relief and Development saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of disaster. When the immediate crisis is over, we rebuild devastated communities and offer long-term solutions in the areas of food security, health care, and HIV/AIDS.