California
In response to the devastating 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires in Southern California, Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to provide long-term recovery support to impacted communities. Through the Seeds of Hope ministry, the diocesan credit union, as well as local community-led organizations, the support includes a revolving loan fund for fire survivors, grants and referrals for emotional and social support.
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California has been an Episcopal Relief & Development disaster response partner for the past five years. Together, we’re supporting long-term recovery for survivors who lost their homes during the 2018 Camp, 2021 Caldor, 2022 McKinney and 2024 Park fires, helping them establish a new normal. The Diocese is working with local congregations to provide mental health support along with material and financial support. Church leaders are working to build resilience and create a more interconnected Californian Episcopal response to future fires and other disasters.
Photo caption: Jubilee Sober Homes, a ministry with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, was completely destroyed during the Palisades fire, displacing the close knit community and support system for many recovering from addictions in Altadena, California.
Florida
Responding to deadly hurricanes Helene and Milton that hit southwestern Florida and other parts of the southern United States in late September and early October 2024, Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida to support households facing economic hardship. To build resilience, we work with local partners to facilitate community-based disaster preparedness activities and work with area congregations to train and equip local leaders to better respond to future community needs.
Photo caption: Volunteers from the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida unload a truck of preparedness supplies for a distribution event during hurricane season 2025.
Hawai’i
In response to the 2023 wildfires that ravaged the Lahaina community on the island of Maui, Episcopal Relief & Development partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i. In the immediate aftermath of the fires, through collaboration with local organizations including A Cup of Cold Water, this partnership provided financial assistance, food, medical care and temporary housing for survivors. Because disaster recovery can be a long process that takes a toll on impacted individuals, our partner is working with local organizations to provide access to critical physical and mental health care and emotional support for grieving individuals. The diocese also provides funding and volunteer support to help restore fire-damaged land in Lahaina.
Photo caption: After the Lahaina fire, many areas are still off limits to the public as the area recovers.
Louisiana
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana has been an Episcopal Relief & Development disaster response partner since 2021. We partner to provide comprehensive recovery support to community members impacted by Hurricane Ida, Hurricane Francine and any future disasters. This includes culturally relevant and accessible training and resources, and providing cash assistance to help families prepare for and recover from disasters.
In partnership with Together Louisiana and other local organizations, Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Community Lighthouse Project which helps build the capacity of local organizations across the state to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of their communities should a disaster strike. In the event of a crisis, teams will be equipped and prepared to provide immediate assistance including social support and the distribution of crucial supplies like food and water.
Photo caption: After Hurricane Ida, volunteers from the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana brought impacted communities food and supplies.
North Carolina
In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across western North Carolina. Episcopal Relief & Development partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina to provide immediate support for households in communities including Brevard, Henderson, Spruce and Chimney Rock. Now, the Diocese is working on long-term recovery home and community restoration, and providing cash assistance to those in need.
Photo caption: (left) The Rev. John Roberts and the Rev. Kelsey Davis (right) are actively working with community businesses and nonprofits to restore hope after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in North Carolina.
Puerto Rico
Episcopal Relief & Development has been partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico to help survivors recover and build resilience for future disasters. The island has experienced multiple catastrophic disasters including Hurricane Maria in 2017, a series of earthquakes in 2019 and other flooding and high wind events. In response, the Diocese continues to help families restore their homes by supporting home repairs, appliance and furniture replacements, cash assistance and distribution of kits to prepare for the next disaster.
Photo caption: Programa REDES, the disaster response and recovery of the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico, faithfully helps island communities build resilience after Hurricane Maria and the 2019 earthquakes.
