Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance in the community of Screven, Georgia in the wake of a March 22, 2005 tornado.

In the immediate aftermath of the tornado, residents of Screven joined together to offer each other solidarity and begin clean-up work.  “People have done a tremendous job of helping each other so far,” reported Duren Williams, a local volunteer coordinator. “Neighbors are coming to the aid of their neighbors and getting out there and working. But there is a lot that still needs to be done (Disaster News Network).”

Although no lives were lost in Screven, the 700-person town’s economy was devastated.  One of the town’s major employers, Screven Cabinet Makers, lay in pieces, its roof torn off by 100-mph winds.  According to the Rev. Elena Thompson, Vicar of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Saint Simons Island, Georgia, “a total of 283 homes and business locations suffered significant damage.”

Beyond the work of clearing debris, Williams worries about those Screven residents most at risk of “[falling] through the cracks.”  Hardest hit were a few people who were left homeless, and without the means to repair or replace their homes.

Nine farming families with no cash income could not get loans to rebuild their uninhabitable houses, said Reverend Thompson. One disabled man was forced to sleep on his bare lawn after he lost his trailer to the tornado.  Another lost his roof and his business; a handyman, he had exhausted his resources while helping his neighbors rebuild.

On behalf of Episcopalians, Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to address the needs of several people in Screven, Georgia who were uninsured or underinsured. The funds will go toward purchasing the tools and materials needed to make repairs to homes and businesses.  ERD’s assistance will be administered through the Diocese of Georgia and St. Paul’s Church in Jesup, Georgia.

To make a contribution to help people immediately after disasters, donate to the Emergency Relief Fund, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can also be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Episcopal Relief and Development, an independent 501(c) 3 organization, saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We work with local communities to provide food and health care and enable children and families to climb out of poverty. More information is available online at http://www.er-d.org/.