NEW YORK, April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Episcopal
Relief & Development is supporting the Episcopal Diocese of
Tennessee to provide direct
assistance in communities impacted by the devastating tornadoes
that struck the Nashville area in
early March.
At least two tornadoes touched down in North and East Nashville on March
3, 2020, and tore a ten-mile path through Middle Tennessee.
The storms struck after midnight when many were asleep and
therefore unprepared. Thousands were left without power or shelter
in the wake of the tornadoes. Over 300 people were injured.
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the
Diocese of Tennessee to provide
direct financial support to individuals and families who were
affected by the tornadoes. Over the past several weeks, US Disaster
Program staff and a volunteer from Partners in Response and
Resilience, have been providing guidance to diocesan staff as the
diocese adjusts their response in the context of the coronavirus
pandemic.
"Social distancing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is
testing our ministry model and best practices," said Deacon Elaine
Clements, Partner in Response and Resilience for Episcopal Relief
& Development. "Normally, we work with church leaders in
impacted communities to respond to disasters in a relational
manner. It is especially tough to assess community needs without
being able to gather, but the Diocese of Tennessee is working to meet that
challenge."
Partners in Response and Resilience accompany congregational and
diocesan leaders who have been newly affected by disasters as they
begin recovery work and continue to support those partners
throughout the recovery process.
"Our partners in the Diocese of Tennessee and across the US have adapted to
meet the challenges presented by the coronavirus," said
Katie Mears, Senior Director, US
Disaster Program for Episcopal Relief & Development. "I am
encouraged to see their resilience and their commitment to
supporting the vulnerable communities affected by disasters."
Please continue to pray for everyone impacted by the tornadoes.
Learn more about a faith-based response to epidemics and pandemics
at http://www.episcopalrelief.org/faith-response. Donations to the
US Disaster Fund will enable Episcopal Relief & Development to
continue to provide support to individuals and communities impacted
by the tornadoes and other disasters.
About Episcopal Relief & Development:
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.
SOURCE Episcopal Relief & Development