EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT

Episcopal Relief & Development works in collaboration with church partners and other local organizations to facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities that are struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. We also work around the world and here in the US responding to and rebuilding after disasters.

Our programs impact the lives of over 2 million people annually. We respect the dignity of all people and view them as our neighbors, working alongside participants regardless of religious affiliation or background.

Through our Asset-Based Community Development methodology, we work with communities to recognize their existing skills, gifts and resources. Instead of imposing “one-size-fits-all” solutions, we support unique, local long-term initiatives that address the effects of hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Thus, we empower and work alongside local leaders and residents who are best equipped to identify and address the most pressing needs.

Our programs incorporate several activities to help drive change and support our three priorities: women, children and climate. These strategies include: empowering communities to create and maintain clean and safe sources of water; enabling families to prevent malaria through education and the use of mosquito nets; helping farmers improve food production and increase their income through sustainable agricultural practices; providing expectant mothers and their children access to life-saving care and education; enabling communities to access adequate sanitation systems and protect against disease; supporting entrepreneurs in establishing thriving businesses through savings with education programs and access to microfinance; equipping local churches to better prepare for and respond to emergencies; strengthening faith networks to promote gender equality and end violence against women and children.

We work primarily through the agents and agencies of the Anglican Church worldwide: using several key technical methodologies: community participation through asset recognition and reinforcement practices; mainstreaming and integrating gender empowerment with a particular focus on combatting gender-based violence in communities; enhancing access to financial services through group savings training and lending methodologies, leveraging access to internal capital for revolving loans; developing and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices for enhanced yield and more resilient rural livelihoods; reducing incidents of malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia through preventive activities including distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), and enhancing access to curative services; promoting hazard mapping and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction throughout the communities where we work.

4,720 farmers trained in climate-smart agriculture
1,909,491 trees planted to improve soil and prevent erosion
16,763 children younger than five received responsive care and stimulation to support healthy development
26,164 members of 1,648 savings groups saved a total of $1,539,086
491 communities were protected through disaster risk-reduction activities
608 leaders were trained to speak out against gender-based violence
5,527 households gained access to sanitary latrines
1,513,980 people received information about preventing malaria
4,192 volunteers were trained to educate communities about malaria and install mosquito nets
95 new wells and water systems were installed or repaired for access to clean water

Source: 2018 Annual Report -
https://www.episcopalrelief.org/uploaded/files/Who-We-Are/Financials/2018-Annual-Report.pdf