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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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

Finance for Small Enterprises
CRS seeks to address the unique financial goals and needs of small enterprises by providing them with appropriate and affordable financial products.
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Savings-Led Microfinance
CRS' Savings and Internal Lending (SILC) methodology is a holistic, savings-led microfinance approach that provides a safe place for poor households to save and borrow to increase their income.
Learn More arrow_right_altExplore Our Projects

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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Shelter in Beirut for Families Fleeing War
Families displaced by war receive food, water and hygiene kits while coping with trauma and uncertainty.
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Communities Recovering From Flash Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Those who still have homes work to remove tons of mud deposited by flash floods in the central part of the country.
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Self-Determination in Central African Republic
Born with a disability that affected his feet, Philippe depends on a bike that doubles as a wheelchair for mobility.
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Disaster Risk Reduction in Indonesia
Local groups help mitigate risk and save lives during an emergency.
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Building Business Skills in Cameroon
Cash vouchers and entreprenuerial training enable participants to launch or grow businesses strong enough to support their families.
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Rapid Relief for Refugees in the Republic of the Congo
Issamon thought of sewing nothing more than a hobby he enjoyed in his time off from his work at a primary school; following an outbreak of armed conflict between ethnic groups in August 2022, sewing became a means of survival.
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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.