Stories From The Field
Rebuilding Hope After the Tsunami
CRS marks the fourth anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami. See what your compassion has made possible. »»
Peacebuilding: Healing the Wounds of War
By bringing sides together, CRS helps groups in conflict break the cycle of war and poverty. »»
Villanova Educators Bring Home Lessons From Rwanda
Scenes of forgiveness and renewal following genocide in Rwanda offer powerful lessons for Villanova educators. »»
Fair Trade Renews Palestinian Olive Industry
Fair Trade Olive Harvest Festival celebrates traditional industry while supporting farmers and artisans in Palestinian territories. »»
Kenyans Rebuild Lives After Election Violence
Community forums and innovative vouchers are helping Kenyans to rebuild social ties and peacefully return to farming. »»
Preschool Plan Helps Bangladesh Students and Teachers
A CRS-sponsored education program offers jobs to teachers and gives very young children a chance to learn. »»
A Look Back: Four Years After the Tsunami
Tsunami anniversary recalls devastation, recognizes resiliency of Indonesia's survivors. »»
Vouchers Give West African Farmers A Boost
Through a CRS initiative, Rasmata Sawadogo and 4,000 rice farmers in Burkina Faso can buy the fertilizer they need to feed their own people. »»
Erick's Story
Meet Erick Omondi Okoth, from Kenya, orphaned as a teenager and as the eldest, left to care for seven siblings as well as eight cousins. »»
Shelters Ease Shock of Pakistan Quake
When a recent earthquake in Pakistan killed Ata's father and severely damaged his house, CRS responded with warm shelter for the coming winter. »»
In Sierra Leone, Pregnant and Praying for Success
Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. It's especially dangerous for pregnant women in remote areas. »»
Congo Crisis: Aid Workers Poised to Help Families
Working with Caritas partners, CRS positions Congo staff and resources to help people fleeing fighting in the North Kivu region near the Rwanda border. »»
Burkina Faso Farmers Fend Off Food Crisis
A CRS program shows Burkina Faso rice farmers how they can expand yields with less effort. »»
Massive Project Rebuilds Bangladesh Homes
After Cyclone Sidr, CRS and Caritas offer Bangladeshi villages an opportunity for renewal. »»
Sticking With Rice in Sierra Leone
The simple techniques CRS teaches farmers—such as how much seed to "broadcast" on their fields—are producing startling results. »»
Shelter Allows Girls to Escape Exploitation
Hogar de Querubines in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, supports teenage girls who have been sexually exploited, physically abused and trafficked. »»
Pakistan Earthquake Puts Women, Kids at Risk
A 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Pakistan leaves thousands homeless as winter cold threatens lives and health. »»
Mitch Left Legacy of Generosity and Justice
Ten years ago, Hurricane Mitch ripped through Central America. Today, CRS reflects on how the storm inspired a new method for our disaster response. »»
Haiti Update, A Month After Flood Destruction
In the wake of a brutal hurricane season, a Q&A on current conditions in Haiti and the increasing problems faced by the impoverished nation. »»
'Mitch Woke Us Up'
The scope of the hurricane's damage inspired a strategy that went beyond recovery to 'build back better.' »»
Hurricane Mitch Rescuer Reflects on Successes
Santos Palma wasn't working with Catholic Relief Services when Hurricane Mitch hit in October 1998. But he jumped right in and began rescuing people. »»
New Wells Spell Health for Local School
A clean water supply frees a Bangladesh school to concentrate on education. »»
Mitch Remembered: Hurricane Inspired Change
"We wanted to go beyond relief and development to look at the structures that existed before Mitch." »»
CRS Staffer Recalls Losing House to Hurricane Mitch
Benicio Lopez was 24 and working for CRS when Mitch struck in his hometown of Colonia Humuya, Honduras. »»
A Wall of Mud: Haitian City Digs Out From Hurricane Ike
Ike has left a scar on Haiti that will be long in healing. »»
Defying Drought in Ethiopia
As failed rains leave millions without food, long-term agricultural programs and emergency food distributions are helping Ethiopians to survive. »»
Rwandan Orphans Gain Skills, Confidence
CRS provides Rwandan orphans with the care and vocational training they need to learn new skills and earn income. »»
Fair Trade Gifts for the Holiday Season
Catholic Relief Services offers fair trade holiday gifts from around the world. »»
Shelter Brings Comfort to Cyclone Widow
Shelters offer hope after Cyclone Sidr took lives, homes and incomes in Bangladesh. »»
In Exile, Afghan Women Find Unexpected Freedoms
Skills training and basic education classes bring freedom, confidence and business opportunities to Afghan refugee women in urban Pakistan. »»
HIV Diagnosis Inspires Life of Service
Antiretroviral therapy re-energizes a Tanzanian woman living with HIV to give back to others. »»
Free Medicine Means New Life for Ugandan Girl
Volunteer support and free antiretroviral medicine give an 11-year-old orphan with HIV a second chance at life. »»
Health Volunteers Spread the Word After Floods
Hygiene program helps Bangladesh community promote health after the chaos of annual floods. »»
Lebanon's Littlest Refugees
When families are fleeing for their lives, their babies and toddlers need special care. »»
Human Rights Violence Escalates in Eastern India
Catholic Relief Services is responding to violent human rights violations in the eastern Indian state of Orissa. »»
Aid Reaches Haiti Flood Survivors
After four powerful storms devastated Haiti, CRS continues to provide thousands with food and survival essentials. »»
One Man's Treasure
A dump site threatened the environment of a small Honduran community. See how the town made a difference. »»
Food, Medicine Reach Cuba
CRS is assisting at least 20,000 Cubans with food and emergency supplies. Hundreds to receive roofing materials. »»
Escaping Gonaives: A Survivor's Story
Thousands of Haitians were trapped by raging floodwaters caused by Gustav and Hanna. Pierre escaped, but worries about those left behind. »»
Dangerous Roads No Obstacle for CRS Driver
Where CRS builds schools in remote mountain villages in northern Pakistan, CRS driver Fayyaz goes with no fear. »»
Fuel Costs Drive Global Food Crisis
The rise in food prices is not going away anytime soon. Shaun Ferris, a CRS senior technical advisor on agriculture and the environment, explains why. »»
'Fair Trade Is A Priority in My Parish'
A CRS Fair Trade Ambassador explains how she promotes thoughtful purchasing in her parish. »»
In Burkina Faso, Food Prices Eat Away at Life
As the food price crisis ripples across the globe, a day laborer shows just how hard it is for a West African family to make ends meet. »»
A 'Festival of Cleanliness' for Egypt's Poor
A CRS sanitation campaign didn't just curb disease in several Egyptian villages—it was also fun. »»
Saplings of Hope
Growing a small kitchen garden helped change Nirmala's life. She now earns a steady income and no longer worries about going hungry. »»
Irrigation Eases Ethiopia’s Crop Crisis
Emergency food distributions coupled with long-term agricultural projects are helping Ethiopians withstand a critical food shortage. »»
Children Orphaned By AIDS Hail Programs That Work
AIDS breaks up families and leaves children with no support. A closer look at three lives changed by CRS and local partners. »»
Ike Further Cripples Haiti
Photos taken hours before Hurricane Ike struck Gonaives, Haiti, provide a glimpse into the island's condition. »»
After Ike, Haiti's Needs Mount
CRS staff made their way to Gonaives and other parts of Haiti with food, water and hygiene supplies in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. »»
A Classroom Revolution in Pakistan
In mountain villages affected by the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, CRS helps teachers spare the rod. »»
Food Aid Reaching Ethiopia's Needy
Moving food aid across the globe is anything but simple. See how CRS Ethiopia makes sure the food reaches needy families. »»
Storms Turn Haiti's Roads Into Rivers
'You have people sitting on roofs just waiting for the water to go down.' »»
Trapped in Gonaives, Bishop Makes Appeal
As Gonaives, Haiti remains underwater, families are without water, food or electricity. A local bishop pleads for help. »»
Residents, Aid Workers Rush From Monsoon Floodwaters
An estimated 2.6 million families have been forced from their homes in Bihar, India, as they flee rising floodwaters. »»
Hurricane Gustav, Hanna Pound Weary Haiti
Already suffering families and farmers have been hit hard by a series of severe storms. CRS is on the ground responding with food and supplies. »»
Aid Continues to Displaced Georgians
CRS and Caritas continue providing food and supplies to thousands of desperate families in shelters. »»
Journeying to the Frontiers of Justice
Teachers from Catholic high schools use the summer break to explore education and social justice in West Africa. »»
Building Cyber Bridges to Understanding
Teens from Chicago and the West Bank reach out to each other through Cyber Bridges. »»
First Day of School, Ever, for Rural Afghans
After the fall of the Taliban, many children are finally getting to experience their first day of school »»
Giving Peru's Working Kids A Second Chance
In Peru's Amazon region, children are often confined to work. Learn about a program that helps them stay in school and achieve new heights. »»
Out of Burning Hunger, A Passionate Voice for Africa
An orphan from Ghana, Thomas Awiapo knows hunger, but he also knows compassion. Every year he tells his story to Americans to teach—and to say thanks. »»
In Pakistan's Hills, No Longer Left Behind
It takes eight men to carry a roof truss over steep mountain paths, yet villagers in northern Pakistan labor happily to help CRS build schools. »»
Humanitarian Cost Rises in Georgia
Recent violence in South Ossetia, Georgia, has forced thousands of innocent people from their homes. »»
Tropical Storm Kummari Displaces Thousands in Vietnam
Loss of life, homes and livelihoods continue as rainfall and flooding persist. CRS is coordinating a joint response. »»
Hunger Deepens in Benin
A widow with newborn twins eats once a day. The babies aren't nursing. She has no money or home. Her only hope: the Missionaries of Charity. »»
CRS Commits $1 Million to Food Crisis Response
An initial $1 million commitment will help the poorest buy food and spur agricultural productivity. »»
Bolivian Farmers to Replant After Floods
After flooding caused destruction to central Bolivia's crops, CRS and Caritas provide aid and long-term recovery to farmers. »»
Election Day Surprises for Egyptian Women
In rural villages near the Nile, poor women rarely vote, much less run for office. But a CRS program is turning the tide. »»
Recovering From the Unexpected
While the trauma of sudden destruction lingers, CRS continues to aid hundreds of Peruvians left homeless by last year's earthquake. »»
When Disaster Strikes, CRS Is Ready
In the Middle East, CRS staff simulate emergencies to make sure they're ready for natural and man-made disasters. »»
When Rebuilding is Therapy
One year after the Peru earthquake, men and women are finding strength and consolation in rebuilding their own homes. »»
The Global Food Crisis
Prices of many basic foods have skyrocketed in the last two years, leading to a major food crisis affecting millions of people throughout the world. »»
In Darfur, A Way to Grow Their Own
Through innovative fairs, thousands of farmers in Darfur receive vouchers for seeds and tools to help them grow critical food during uncertain times. »»
Prepared for Hurricane Season
Latin America and the Caribbean are regularly hit by natural disasters and extremes of weather. Preparation can ease the amount of loss. »»
Lasting Recovery in Bangladesh
After Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh, Catholic Relief Services sent aid for reconstruction and disaster preparedness. »»
Food Crisis Squeezes Afghan Families
What would you do to make sure your child was getting enough to eat? For the people of Afghanistan, options are diminishing. »»
'Dad, I Don't Want to Die': Counseling for Youth
As Gazan kids try to cope with the violence around them, psychologists talk about a CRS-funded counseling program for children. »»
Without Water There Is No Life
Tackling the crisis of water and sanitation in Nicaragua for a lasting impact on health and education, the environment, and economic development. »»
A Future of Peace
With its values-based educational programs, CRS seeks to bring out the best in future Palestinian leaders. »»
Young People in the Holy Land
CRS helps Palestinian teens in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza look forward with hope. »»
Back to School for Iraqi Refugee Children
'Thank God, We're in School' Iraqi refugee children are at risk of missing out on education. CRS makes sure they don't slip through the cracks. »»
Help for the Hungry
Working with local Church partners, CRS is providing emergency assistance to children and families suffering from drought in Ethiopia. »»
Typhoon Frank Devastates the Philippines
Families are in need of food and basic supplies after losing their homes and livelihoods to Typhoon Frank. CRS is providing relief for 50,000 families. »»
Hope for Children Affected By HIV
Watch this video to learn how CRS is helping orphans in western Kenya who have lost parents to AIDS to be kids again. »»
Raising Our Voices
After the genocide in Rwanda, CRS adopted advocacy as a new tool to help those in need around the world. »»
Making A New Kind of Difference
A CRS staff member taps his medical background to help orphans and other children impacted by the AIDS pandemic in Tanzania. »»
Grass Roots in Action
Students from Villanova University and Cabrini College embarked on a trip to Capitol Hill to lobby on the topics of foreign assistance and food aid. »»
Iraqi Refugees: the Hidden Crisis
Millions of Iraqis have been forced from their home country and now find themselves unable to work, go to school or get health care. »»
From Debt to Success in Egypt
With help from CRS' small-loan program, a destitute widow started a business—and turned her life around. »»
Good Stewards: CRS Offices Go Green
Greening CRS: How some CRS offices are making changes to be environmentally friendly. »»
An Oasis for Pregnant Women
A CRS-supported home in Guinea-Bissau means survival for at-risk mothers and their newborns. »»
The Cardinal William H. Keeler Trade Center
A new trade center is giving youth living in Haiti's port city of Gonaives technical skills and new futures. »»
Helping Haiti
Singing Creole gospels above a lively guitar, a parish in South Florida collects funds for Haitians suffering through the global food crisis. »»
Strangers in A Strange Land
Vivian Manneh is a regional program manager for CRS in the Middle East. She reflects on the realities that refugees across the world face. »»
A Dream Comes True
Microfinance projects outside of Burundi's capital create income for people like Jeanne Uwimana. "I have finally found a way to realize my dream." »»
Cyclone Aid Getting Through to Survivors
Across the Ayeyarwady Delta region of Myanmar aid is getting through to people in some of the areas most affected by Cyclone Nargis. »»
50 Years of Service in Ethiopia
Catholic Relief Services celebrates 50 years of providing relief and development assistance in Ethiopia. »»
Ken Hackett On the Global Food Crisis
Ken Hackett talks about the impact of the global food crisis on the poor and CRS' response. »»
Little By Little, Life Gets Better Every Day
With the help of training and a loan, a widow and her son established a small business and escaped the grip of extreme poverty in Guatemala. »»
Earthquake Relief Efforts in China
CRS is supporting Caritas Hong Kong's response in the wake of the May 12 earthquake which devastated Sichuan, China. »»
