What It Is
When emergencies arise, Humanitarian Services responds quickly, providing medical and other needed supplies, depending upon the nature of the crisis and the climate and culture of the affected region. Each year we deliver more than 100,000 tons of food, blankets, medical supplies, hygiene kits, clothing, temporary shelter, and other materials to thousands of disaster-stricken people in many countries. Much of the material is donated; the rest purchased using cash donations.

Why It Is a Priority
In a crisis, quick response is crucial. Homes are damaged and sometimes entire communities are destroyed. People are displaced. Shelter is scarce. Food is spoiled and crops are ruined. Children and parents are hungry. People’s lives are at stake. Food and other emergency supplies are often needed more urgently than government organizations can deliver.

What It Does and How It Helps
By gathering emergency supplies in advance, Humanitarian Services is able to begin the process of shipping needed items to the site of a disaster literally within hours of the occurrence. Because of this advance preparation, combined with our worldwide network of volunteers, we play a distinctive role in the emergency response community. Major international relief agencies have come to rely on our ready resources when the timing of response is critical, when there are shortages of supplies, or when they need volunteers on the ground.