Supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico in Response to Earthquakes

Web Statement

Ongoing Support to the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico

Web Statement

January 23, 2020

Episcopal Relief & Development continues to support the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico and Programa REDES, the diocese’s disaster response team, in response to the recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico.

Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster Program team remains in close contact with the diocese as they provide ongoing emergency assistance to impacted communities. The diocese has opened Episcopal Support Centers in Guánica, Yauco, Ponce and Maricao. These centers offer pastoral counseling, medical clinics and psychological assistance, as well as food, water and hygiene items. Programa REDES staff are visiting the most earthquake-affected areas to offer pastoral care and to assess structural damage and the resulting impact on vulnerable communities. 

The Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico and Programa REDES shared their gratitude in a Facebook post, thanking our faithful supporters for their generous donations and prayers.

Please pray for all those affected by this disaster. Donations to the Disaster Response Fund will help Episcopal Relief & Development continue to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families affected by emergencies such as these earthquakes, the fires in Australia and the earthquakes and volcano eruption in the Philippines.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.

Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Puerto Rico

 

REDES Team responds to the needs of the community after the earthquake

Web StatementSupporting the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico in Response to Earthquakes

Web Statement

January 16, 2020

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico (Iglesia Episcopal Puertorriqueña) in response to the series of earthquakes that hit the island in recent weeks. 

Multiple strong earthquakes have struck the southern part of Puerto Rico beginning in late December 2019, damaging buildings, knocking out power, and injuring many people. These quakes are the most damaging to strike the island since 1918. 

Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster Program team has been in daily contact with diocesan staff, providing support and counsel as they assess the damage and needs of affected communities. Programa REDES, the diocese’s disaster response team, is delivering critical supplies such as bottles of water and ready to eat foods to those in need, particularly in Yauco and Guánica. Potential aftershocks and additional earthquakes make safety a concern for the teams who are conducting assessments and providing relief to those impacted. 

“The Diocese of Puerto Rico has extensive experience responding to natural disasters, particularly in the past several years,” said Abagail Nelson, Executive Vice President, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Their preparation and deep community connections are impressive and enable diocesan leaders to be Christ’s hands and feet in these challenging times.”

Please continue to pray for all those affected by the earthquakes in Puerto Rico. Donations to the Disaster Response Fund will help Episcopal Relief & Development continue to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters such as these earthquakes, the fires in Australia and the volcano eruption in the Philippines. 

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.

Photo Courtesy of the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico