Working in partnership with the Church worldwide, ecumenical agencies and local organizations, Episcopal Relief & Development saves lives and strengthens communities around the world.

In 2009, Episcopal Relief & Development reached more than 2.5 million people in over 40 countries around the world.

Rather than imposing “one size fits all” solutions, Episcopal Relief & Development supports unique local, long-term initiatives that address poverty, hunger, disease, economic development and disaster response.

Our partnership with the worldwide Church creates opportunities to serve communities in some of the most remote areas of the world, as well as in urban environments where extreme poverty persists.

 

  • Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply

    • We offer seeds, tools and training to improve crops, add nutritional value and increase total food production.
    • We give families and communities healthy animals—chickens, cows, goats and pigs—to provide an ongoing source of nutrition.
    • We teach environmentally sound farming practices that sustain the productivity of the land.
    • We provide food to those experiencing chronic food shortages, including families affected by HIV/AIDS; refugees and displaced persons; and other vulnerable individuals and communities.

  • Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities

    • We provide micro-finance opportunities, including savings and credit circles that allow individuals and groups to start or expand small businesses and cooperatives.
    • We supply tools, equipment and other resources to increase the value of products and improve access to markets.
    • We train people to become effective marketers, managers and leaders of their own small businesses.
    • We ensure that traditionally marginalized and vulnerable groups—such as girls and women and people impacted by HIV/AIDS—receive education and tools to support themselves.

  • Promoting Health and Fighting Disease

    • We work to prevent malaria through the NetsforLife® program partnership by distributing long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and educating communities in prevention and treatment methods.
    • We train clergy, educators, youth leaders and community health workers to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide care to those affected by the disease.
    • We build wells, latrines, water stations and smokeless stoves to prevent water-borne illnesses and acute respiratory infections, and provide training in their use and maintenance.
    • We educate community members on sanitation and hygiene practices, nutrition, maternal and child health and basic first aid.

  • Responding to Disasters and Rebuilding Communities

    • We help deliver life-saving supplies such as medicine, blankets and food for emergency shelters or camps.
    • We help provide shelter, along with trauma counseling and psycho-social services to survivors.
    • We help repair and construct homes, schools, health clinics, roads, water systems and community centers to replace those destroyed by disaster.
    • We help residents restore the social and economic fabric of their communities by providing economic and educational opportunities and improving access to legal services and home ownership.
    • We help train and equip local churches to prepare for and respond to disasters that devastate their communities.

  • USA Disaster Preparedness and Response

    • The USA Disaster Preparedness and Response program equips Episcopalians to prepare for hazards that might affect their communities and to assist the vulnerable to recover.
    • USA Emergency Relief Program helps create effective emergency responses by providing the "Ready to Serve" volunteer database, connections to experienced peers, and, when necessary, funding.
    • USA Disaster Recovery Program provides long-term support to dioceses following disasters to create programs to help the vulnerable recover.
    • USA Disaster Preparedness Initiative improves diocesan preparation by building the "Ready to Serve" volunteer database, holding trainings, sharing best practices, and assisting dioceses with planning.
For more information about Episcopal Relief & Development click here.