Dear Friends:

I thought that it would be helpful for you to read a letter from one of our very own who is on the front lines in the relief effort. Harry Sherwood of St. Stephen's Gilroy and FEMA writes:

Greetings from Mississippi, I've been here over a week now, it's Sunday afternoon and there are a few moments to reflect and drop you a line.

A question I am asked everywhere I go is, "Is this the worst you have ever seen?"

Whether it is a whole state, or one house, disasters happen to people, one by one.  All disasters are very, very bad to those affected, no matter how many or few. To me, there is no such thing as a large or small one, they are disasters. Yes, in size, this is very large, and the scale of suffering is enormous. A hurricane does not distinguish between rich or poor, pious or impious. Going through Hancock County a few days ago (where Katrina came ashore) it was remarkable to the see the remains of luxury homes and humble dwellings mixed in together. New BMWs and old VWs shared the same ditch and luxury yachts were driven onto the same rocks as fishing boats.

It's not about material loss, though, it's about people and the incredible experience they have been through. In many cases, everything they have worked for is now scattered across the countryside or washed out to sea, but there is often an abiding thankfulness for simply being alive. Many remark that they have a new sense of what is really important. There is no question they have been through something terrible and there is an enormous need for ministering. Here, as in other disasters, I am surrounded by relief workers, responders, victims, the displaced -- often in the same accommodations. So many simply want someone to talk to, someone who will listen; perhaps pray for or with them. This is the part of disaster relief that's not on the time clock, not constrained by facilities, logistics or material resources, but is powerful and vitally important.

I am thankful for the prayers of so many. Yes, they count. I sense them and see them work daily. While the media and web are filled with the horror stories of this event, I've seen heroism and miracles. In a place like this, life and faith get down to there very basics, we can live the very real presence of God and witness our Lord's promise "I am with you always."

Harry

To answer some of your questions about what ERD is doing.

ERD responded immediately after the disaster and continues working with affected dioceses, such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Central Gulf Coast to supply emergency relief such as food, shelter, medical supplies. ERD has also partnered with dioceses where large numbers of displaced people have relocated, such as West Texas, Alabama, Western Louisiana, and East Tennessee to provide food, housing and other critical aid to evacuees.  For more information on ERD’s response, please visit www.er-d.org. 

An ERD assessment team including Robert W. Radtke, ERD President, and Peter Gudaitis, Executive Director of New York Disaster Interfaith Services (Diocese of New York), went to Baton Rouge days after the hurricane to help the Diocese of Louisiana plan their response.

What can I do to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina?
Your prayers and support are the best way to help people who have lost loved ones, who are still awaiting rescue, and those who have been evacuated to emergency shelters.  Pray for emergency rescue workers, law enforcement officers, and caregivers.

You can support our response by donating to the Hurricane Katrina Response Fund by credit card at er-d.org or by calling 1 (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Or you can mail your gift to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Hurricane Katrina Response Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Episcopal Migration Ministries will be helping to relocate uprooted Gulf Coast families with no other options to relocate.  Congregations and community groups that wish to extend hospitality to displaced hurricane victims should check the EMM Web site for details of this effort at www.episcopalchurch.org/emm.

Does ERD accept donations of supplies and materials (in-kind donations)?
ERD is not able to accept miscellaneous in-kind contributions. The cost and logistics involved in packing, shipping, receiving, paying customs and duty charges, managing, and distributing unsolicited goods are prohibitive.  Since disaster needs change on a daily basis, clothing or a food items might not be needed by the time they arrive.

On the other hand, cash can get to the scene of the crisis immediately, with no shipping charges, to purchase the supplies that are most desperately needed.

Can I go to the affected areas as a volunteer?
Thank you for your compassion.  We do not provide opportunities for volunteers to become involved in the initial stages of disaster relief.  Resources are already strained in the area.  For now, we are doing our best to help provide evacuees with food and other critical supplies.

We have sent thousands of volunteers to work in areas ravaged by disaster, at later stages of recovery and rebuilding.  Please check the volunteer page to learn about our other volunteering programs.  Check back in the coming months to stay posted about any new volunteering opportunities.

You may also be able to find volunteering opportunities through Disaster News Network or InterAction.  However, if you do not have specialized disaster response skills and experience responding to past large-scale disasters, you may find it difficult to find volunteer opportunities.

Examples of some of the professions that are sometimes needed are: doctors, nurses, engineers, logistics coordinators, human resource professionals, and IT technicians.  If you have such skills and have previously done overseas relief work, a good place to start is to sign up for the Disaster Assistance Registration Database.

To make a contribution to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina, please donate to the Hurricane Katrina Response Fund by credit card at 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 Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) 3 organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Sincerely, 
Bruce Friesen
Diocesan Coordinator for El Camino Real
408-867-3493
brucef@standrews-saratoga.org   

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Bruce A. Spotswood Friesen
Parish Administrator
Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 2789
13601 Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
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www.st-andrews-saratoga.org
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Phone 408-867-3495 Fax 408-867-3496
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Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:15