The dioceses of North Carolina and East Carolina, which suffered enormous damage during the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Floyd last September [TLC, Oct. 10, 17, 24] have helped to provide thousands of dollars in programs and assistance to victims, many of whom cannot return to their homes.

The Diocese of East Carolina focused its resources on those who may have slipped through relief safety nets or have been ineligible for government aid, especially non-English speaking migrant workers and their families and the elderly.

Many migrant farm workers were working in the rural areas bounded by both dioceses. The workers were affected by not only Hurricane Floyd, but also by the two other hurricanes that hit the area, causing crop damage and eliminating employment for the workers. Many were left in the United States with no money and no way to get back to Mexico or to Florida for the winter citrus harvest.

In the Diocese of North Carolina, most of the nearly $400,000 received by the diocese was distributed to the discretionary funds of clergy in the Rocky Mount convocation. With that money, clergy in Rocky Mount, Wilson and Tarboro could distribute monies where most needed.

The Rev. Kathleen Awbrey, Christian social ministries coordinator for the Diocese of North Carolina, said $25,000 was given to the Episcopal Farmworkers Ministry, and $10,000 to an organization that assists farmers in completing the paperwork needed to obtain government assistance for their losses. She said a small amount of money has been set aside for other needs as they arise. Ms. Awbrey noted that many donations went directly from parish to parish and the diocesan total does not included those donations.

In East Carolina, $430,000 had been raised for flood relief and $337,000 distributed by mid-December. The remainder of the fund, as well as any new contributions, is being earmarked for long-term relief efforts and will be distributed as those needs arise.

Some recipients of donations from the Diocese of East Carolina are San Mateo, Yeaterville, N.C., which received $50,000 for Hispanic outreach ministry, the grant helping provide much-needed transportation back to Mexico where migrant workers have their families, and to Florida for citrus season; Episcopal Farmworkers Ministry Newton Grove, N.C., whose $45,000 grant purchased a new van for deliveries and transportation at migrant farm worker camps, as well as food, clothing, medicine, blankets and rent and utility assistance; and Episcopal Hispanic Ministries Washington, N.C., which received $35,000 to provide assistance to families.