Providing Emergency Aid to Communities Impacted by Tornadoes in Texas

Providing Emergency Aid to Communities Impacted by Tornadoes in Texas

Web Statement

September 26, 2022

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as it distributes emergency assistance to people who lost their homes and livelihoods in an EF2 tornado. The diocese is leveraging its churches and networks to identify populations not being reached by other relief efforts.

A severe storm that produced a EF2 tornado cut through Upshur County, Texas on March 22, destroying over 200 homes and farms. Many of the people who have been impacted relied on income from farms and crops that were destroyed. 

The Diocese of Texas has mobilized its Disaster Response Committee to determine where it can meet needs not being met by other organizations. The committee and its volunteers are assessing the full impact of the storm and where the diocese can best provide assistance. With Episcopal Relief & Development’s support, the Diocese of Texas will distribute cash assistance to groups such as single parents, people with disabilities, elderly people and those with compromised immigration statuses. This direct support will allow individuals to purchase food, blankets, cleaning and other emergency supplies.

“The Diocese of Texas has experienced multiple disasters in the past several years and has developed strong ties through the community as a result,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “This experience and network places the diocese in a unique position to help people after a disaster such as this tornado.”

Learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s response to disasters in the United States and how you can prepare for a disaster here.

For more than 80 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 close to 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.