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Episcopal Relief & Development is standing by to provide emergency relief to communities devastated by Hurricane Gustav.  The strong rains and 95 mph winds packed by Gustav have killed 16 people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. There has been significant damage to homes, infrastructure in the region and entire harvests of bananas, beans and vegetables are completely underwater in Haiti.

Concern remains high in the region.  Meterologists fear that Gustav will become a Category 2 hurricane before passing over Cuba and Jamaica en route to the Gulf of Mexico, threatening off-shore drilling. Hundreds of people have already been evacuated from coastal areas eastern in Cuba due to heavy rains from the Gustav storm system.

Episcopal Relief & Development is in touch with dioceses in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, ready to supply assistance when it is needed. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of Hurricane Gustav,” says Abagail Nelson, Senior Vice President of Programs at the agency.

To help people affected Hurricane Gustav, please make a donation to ERD’s “Emergency Relief Fund” online at www.er-d.org , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development “Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Episcopal Relief & Development Standing by to