In recent years, earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters have wreaked havoc in various countries around the world.  While terrible in their own right, these catastrophic events are particularly devastating when they occur in a developing nation where people are already struggling with poverty.  When crisis situations arise in these regions, the lack of infrastructure and scarcity of resources can hamper efforts to bring affected people adequate relief. 

Although HOPE International Development Agency focuses primarily on long-term solutions to poverty, emergency relief can be quickly delivered in response to a natural disaster.  HOPE has worked in many developing countries around the world and has created strong networks within and between communities.  When an emergency occurs, HOPE is able to react quickly and efficiently by connecting people affected by the disaster with those in a position to help.  As such, HOPE is able to channel the compassion and generosity of supporters to those who need it most, in an immediate, cost effective, and appropriate manner.  With generous support from HOPE donors, many people who have been thrown unexpectedly into hopeless situations are given hope for the future. 

Where there is HOPE…

For over thirty years, HOPE has offered emergency relief to those in the developing world.  With generous support from HOPE donors, HOPE was able to offer immediate relief following an earthquake in Indonesia in May, 2006.  HOPE also helped with tsunami relief efforts in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India.  Today, HOPE continues to work with villagers in Sri Lanka to help rebuild their livelihoods and communities. 

The shift from a relief effort to an ongoing commitment to the people affected by a disaster is in keeping with HOPE’s aim to create self-sustaining communities.  A similar transition from relief to development work took place after HOPE provided relief services for Ethiopian people during the famine in the early 1980’s.  After supplying immediate relief for the people living in Southern Ethiopian villages, HOPE partnered with local communities to create a permanent clean water supply and has continued this work during the previous 20 years.

HOPE International Development Agency is ready to help around the world when a disaster occurs.  If you would like to be alerted on how to help in an emergency, please call us at 1-866-525-HOPE or email hope@hope-international.com.