The remnants of Hurricane Ida brought flooding and wind damage across much of the United States, including New Jersey, where at last 25 are dead and six missing.
The city of Elizabeth was particularly hard hit by flooding. Among the city’s residents, the Rev. Robin Pierre, the diocese’s Haitian missioner on the staff of St. Elizabeth’s, was flooded out of his apartment and many of his possessions destroyed.
The Episcopal Church is responding. Under the leadership of the Elizabeth Episcopal Urban Center, a cooperative ministry of three Elizabeth congregations, food and other assistance is flowing to the affected local community. Send your donations to:
Elizabeth Episcopal Urban Center
PO Box 510
Elizabeth NJ 07207
For broader efforts, we urge you also to send donations to Episcopal Relief and Development’s Hurricane Relief Fund.
The Diocese of New Jersey is also supporting efforts and is setting up a Hurricane Relief Fund. Until it’s available, you can donate to the diocese General Fund.
Congregations willing to help are also asked to complete a Capabilities Assessment to help NJ Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NJVOAD) to coordinate resources.
New Brunswick Evacuation Shelters need immediate volunteer assistance in the wake of the flooding. They are providing food, cots, and shelter, and are looking for donations of blankets and food. Call Mr. Jones at 732-309-0683 for more information.