wfn.org | [ENS] ERD assists Florida communities impacted by Hurricane Wilma

["Matthew Davies" <mdavies@episcopalchurch.org>]

Daybook, from Episcopal News Service

October 28, 2005 -- Friday Forum

ERD assists Florida communities impacted by Hurricane Wilma

[ENS, Source: ERD] Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing
emergency assistance to Florida communities affected by Hurricane Wilma.
The Category 3 hurricane, which made landfall in south Florida on October
24, took 14 lives and 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 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."

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 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.

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