Emergencies

woman and baby with earthquake destruction around them

CRS Staff

 

Emergencies

  • 17M

    Participants

  • 217

    Projects

  • 68

    Countries

About the program

Emergency Response and Recovery

With a proven track record of successful programming, robust accountability systems and a global network of seasoned partners, CRS is uniquely positioned to lead U.S. lifesaving humanitarian assistance. CRS works closely with local partners to ensure the most vulnerable communities and families have access to vital food, nutrition, shelter, water, sanitation, livelihood assistance, and mental health and psychosocial support. CRS takes a comprehensive approach that addresses urgent lifesaving assistance with a focus on full recovery.

Our goal is to help people survive with dignity, rebuild their homes and lives, and strengthen their stability and resilience for long-term recovery. In every situation, we promote community leadership and engagement.

Our Impact

CRS collaborates closely with local partners, invests in their institutional and financial management capacity. These trusted organizations are embedded in communities, enabling CRS to deliver rapid, cost-effective and far-reaching assistance with:

  • Speed: CRS can launch operations often within 72 hours using safe and culturally appropriate approaches.
  • Cost Efficiency: Local partners operate at significantly lower costs than international actors, maximizing value for money.
  • Reach: Through its global diocesan and parish footprint, CRS Church partners have the unique ability to respond in the most remote communities. Local Church agencies are often first-responders, allowing us to mobilize quickly. Combined with our partnerships with diverse local and civil society organizations, CRS reach is unparalleled.

CRS ensures that assistance reaches the intended recipients by upholding the highest standards of accountability—with rigorous accountability mechanisms and financial systems. We are well-versed in navigating complex compliance environments.

0
Years
of Humanitarian Response Programming
0M
Reached
People who received food assistance (in-kind/cash/voucher) between 2020-2024
0M
Metric tons
Distribution of U.S. government Food Assistance between 2015-2024
0M
Supported
People with access to clean water between 2020-2024

Where We Work

Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.

Click/tap and drag to interact with the map.

Program Subsector

A woman in a patterned saree stands in front of a dark doorway, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Save lives every month!

Join the CRS monthly giving program, Footsteps in Faith, and you can make a difference all year long! Bring lasting change to your sisters and brothers in need around the world. 

STAY UPDATED

Latest News

With a team of Communications staff around the world, we can provide real-time updates during emergencies and on a wide variety of current issues and events facing the developing world and the international community.