Extreme weather has killed hundreds and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings across the Southeast. A group of tornadoes struck six states on April 16, with North Carolina the worst hit. On April 27, over 100 more swept through five states, with 200- plus deaths in Alabama alone. States of emergency were declared from Alabama to Virginia, and severe storms and flooding are also forecast for the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

Episcopal Relief & Development has been in contact with the Episcopal Dioceses of Alabama and Atlanta and is standing ready to assist. In Alabama, churches are starting to respond to needs as the diocese continues assessing the situation. In the Diocese of Atlanta, families at a number of parishes were affected by the storms, and several churches are involved in relief efforts, including providing temporary shelter and food.

In the Episcopal Dioceses of East Carolina and North Carolina, Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting 16 congregations in ministering to impacted people. For example, St. Thomas' Church in Windsor, a rural community not served by major disaster response agencies, is meeting needs through providing vouchers for essential items, temporary shelter, pastoral care and funeral expense support for grieving families.

"After this sort of traumatic event, people deeply need spiritual support," said Katie Mears, Program Manager for US Disaster Programs. "Local churches, like St. Thomas', can provide a safe space to talk through the grief and loss that people are feeling, and the churches can also work with families to meet their immediate physical needs."

As inclement weather continues battering the country, please pray for people at risk, those who have lost loved ones and homes, and responders working to save lives and address needs.

Please visit www.er-d.org to make a donation.