September 22, 2005
by Ayana Davis, Episcopal Relief and Development

Episcopal Relief and Development has partnered with Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) to help relocate people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The partnership will support EMM in providing initial funding assistance to dioceses where there are large numbers of people from devastated communities in the Gulf Coast region.

"When the Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold asked EMM to assist evacuees, we knew we could apply our expertise in resettling overseas refugees," said C. Richard Parkins, EMM Director. "EMM counts on parish involvement, and in the days immediately following the hu rricane, we were not surprised to have over 1000 offers of sponsorship from dioceses, congregations, and church institutions. Those displaced families who cannot return home and have no other options will be helped," said Parkins.

The relocation project assists evacuees in finding support and temporary or permanent resettlement in communities where Episcopalians and others have extended hospitality. ERD's support will train four teams of three people to screen and interview evacuees needing relocation assistance. It will also provide instruction and technical assistance for up to 10 dioceses that will support displaced people through congregations and communities.

Initially, EMM will serve in the Dioceses of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, West Texas, and West Tennessee by screening and facilitating the relocation of a number of evacuees to communities offering sponsorship.

"ERD is privileged to partner with EMM for this important work in helping people to reestablish their lives," said Abagail Nelson, Vice President of Program for ERD.

For more information on the project, please visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/emm/.

To make a contribution to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina, please donate to the Hurricane Katrina Response Fund by credit card at http://www.er-d.org/ or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Hurricane Katrina Response Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Episcopal News Service