Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to Florida communities affected by Hurricane Wilma. The Category 3 hurricane made landfall in south Florida on Monday. Fourteen deaths occurred and the hurricane caused an estimated $6-$10 billion in damages. Four million residents remain without power. Heavy winds up to 100 mph damaged homes, businesses, and other structures. Hurricane Wilma was the 21st storm in the worst Atlantic hurricane season on record.
In partnership with the Dioceses of Southeast and Southwest Florida, ERD is providing emergency relief to people affected by Hurricane Wilma. In the Diocese of Southeast Florida, ERD's assistance will help parishes in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties to supply food, shelter, and other needs to vulnerable populations in areas heavy impacted by the hurricane. The storm surge generated in Martin County damaged or destroyed several hundred homes and businesses in the Florida Keys. On Marco Island in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, ERD's partnership will provide food, clothes, emergency supplies, and counseling to the working poor.
"ERD is focused on rebuilding lives and communities in the areas impacted by Wilma," said Robert W. Radtke, ERD President. "We pray for a swift recovery and are grateful that ERD can be of assistance," Radtke said.
ERD staff is in communication with the Diocese of Southeast Mexico where Hurricane Wilma hit the Yucatan Peninsula, killing at least seven people. The storm slammed Cancun, Cozumel, and other communities on the Caribbean coastline. ERD will provide emergency assistance as needs are identified.
To help people affected by Hurricane Wilma, make a donation to the 2005 Hurricane Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, 2005 Hurricane Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) 3 organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.