Emergencies
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17M
Participants
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217
Projects
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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.
Capacity At a Glance
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Reached
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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.
Program Subsector
Anticipatory Action
Anticipatory action refers to interventions which take place prior to the onset of a disaster based on context monitoring or forecasts, rather than undertaking emergency response efforts once an event has occurred.
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Cash & Markets
We provide life-saving help and work to restore local economies.
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Disaster Risk Reduction
CRS ensures that its recovery and development programs build family and community resilience to natural and manmade crises by incorporating relevant elements of Disaster Risk Reduction.
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Food Security and Livelihoods
CRS organizes initiatives that put people back to work as quickly as possible after a crisis.
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Shelters and Settlements
In every situation, we design our response in close collaboration with the community and in consideration of traditional architecture, cultural acceptability and locally available materials.
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Explore Our Projects
A Bird With Two Wings: How You Help Save Lives With CRS
While public assistance is slowing or disappearing in some of the most desperate areas, Catholic Relief Services continues to show up—thanks to you.
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Grateful for You—Today and Always!
Please take a moment to watch this message of gratitude—made just for you.
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EMPOWER Strengthens National Organizations in Humanitarian Response
CRS works with local partners to better position them in carrying out humanitarian work in their own communities.
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Rebuilding Lives and Livelihoods in Nigeria
Catholic Relief Services’ Improved Access to Lifesaving Emergency Response, Recovery and Timely Support project is delivering urgent food assistance to families who have been affected by conflict.
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Home and Livelihood Assistance Help Displaced Nigerian Families
Nearly 600,000 people who have been affected by the conflict, including internally displaced persons, returnees and vulnerable host community families, are forced to live in overcrowded settlements and in structures that do not meet minimum living standards.
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Fostering Recovery with Food and Shelter in Nigeria
For Falmata and her husband, Goni, THRIVE’s support has been a strong pillar for their family and a source of hope.
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Food Voucher Assistance in Nigeria
After spending seven months receiving treatment at Maiduguri General Hospital, Hajja Zara found herself without a place to call home.
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What the Farm Bill Makes Possible: Raúl’s Story
It isn’t 5 a.m. yet, but Raúl is already on his feet. Raúl studied accounting in high school, but his commute won’t take him to an office building.
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Boosting Resilience in Central African Republic
Farmers see harvest increases after applying modern farming and livestock techniques.
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CRS: Building Safe, Dignified Homes and Communities
Highlights, Case Studies and Lessons Learned from Across the World
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Feeding Those Most in Need in Ethiopia
A careful assessment process helps ensure that supplies reach those most affected by conflict and drought.
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Overcoming Hunger in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia
Millions receive relief from food shortages caused by conflict and climate change.
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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.
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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.