In this blog Katie Mears, Director of our US Disaster Preparedness and Response Program, reiterates the importance of disaster preparedness and shares some tips on how to create your...

In mid-October, I traveled with Katie Mears, our Program Manager for US Disaster Preparedness and Response, to the town of West Pittston, Pennsylvania.  West Pittston had suffered severe flooding...

The story at the 2012 International AIDS Conference has been the sense that the tide is turning. It is unprecedented that so many speakers and activists are boldly saying “We can end AIDS.” Just...

At the invitation of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, we visited the area affected by the March 2, 2012 tornados, rated EF-4 (second most destructive). This storm left a swath of death...

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a function where Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), outlined key points for USAID’s strategic...

In a great land, prior to an extended clergy retreat, a diocesan disaster manager called together her three regional coordinators and imparted to them her wisdom. She entrusted the three of them with...

They spoke of losing family members during the long civil war. They shared their experiences of surviving the 2004 tsunami. They articulated their responses to the recent severe flooding. But most of...

This guest post by Anne Ditzler, Senior Program Director at the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF), is reposted with permission from the ECF Vital Practices blog.Two nights ago I arrived home to...

I hope that folks are now used to hearing about disaster preparedness—the billboards, the ads on TV. “Make a kit, have a plan, be informed.” I worry sometimes, though, that we’re forgetting why we do...

One of the new Phase III earthquake recovery initiatives of Episcopal Relief & Development's partner, Centre Diocésain de Développement Intégré et de Secours (CEDDISEC, the relief and development arm...

“Look!” said Susana* as she danced for us, feet and hips moving vigorously under the multicolored wrap around her waist, a huge smile illuminating her face. My colleague Maria and I stood mesmerized,...

Immediately upon arrival at the office of the Diocese of Durgapur, one of our partners in India, I was informed that the proposed itinerary to visit our project areas would have to be shuffled....

Yesterday in Juba, Southern Sudan, a joyous and carnival-like atmosphere surrounded the beginning of the weeklong voting period in the referendum on whether Sudan will remain unified or the...

It has been almost one year since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti. As the anniversary approaches, many aid organizations and news services are running competing stories about what...

As we near the dawn of the Advent season in the Christian calendar, a parallel season of preparation consumes the Church in Sudan.  On January 9, 2011, the people of South Sudan are set to vote on...

In my work at Episcopal Relief & Development, one of the things that continually surprises me is just how many Episcopal congregations around the country are actively engaged in disaster response. So...

“I don’t want to be a recipient of aid, but want to be treated with dignity so that I can stand on my own feet.”This was a statement by Vasuki, an internally displaced person (IDP) from one of...

I must have taken the shuttle from the airport to Colombo city at least twice yearly for the past four years since joining Episcopal Relief & Development, as part of my role in managing our programs...