INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE SERVICES
Help prevent and heal the traumatic wounds that disasters have inflicted on communities.
Every year, natural disasters have created displacement, loss, and suffering for millions around the world.
Communities around the world are impacted by natural disasters like floods, hurricanes and fires, as well as conflict, war and violence
These disasters not only have a tremendous impact on communities physically, but they are likely to have drastic and long-lasting effects on the emotional and mental health of its members.
Times of disaster bring uncertainty and fear. They can test us and stretch us beyond our own limits of possibility. And yet, these times—personal or collective—can also reveal a resiliency and strength unknown. When you are facing a new kind of trying time, keep these promises from Scripture close by for encouragement, reassurance and hope for the days ahead.
– Psalm 46:1-2
The Damage of Disasters
Disasters frequently affect people who are already vulnerable and living in poverty.
When responding to a disaster, our goal at World Renew is not only to meet immediate needs, but also to implement a long-term approach that helps prepare communities for future disasters.
We help communities rebuild from disasters by addressing the following issues:
- Physical impacts: loss of life, injuries, illnesses, miscarriages and fatigue.
- Economic impacts: unemployment, loss of property, damaged infrastructure.
- Social impacts: helping refugees and orphans.
- Psychological impacts: PTSD, grief, hopelessness, and more.
Impact on families
Children exposed to trauma often experience chronic mental health symptoms, illness and disease, and more. A traumatic event can alter a child’s brain anatomy and functioning, inhibiting their learning process and memory which could have long-lasting effects on their future.
Impact on communities
Disasters are one of the most stressful events and their effects are multifaceted. After any traumatic event, getting back to a sense of normalcy can be a key step toward reducing the psychological toll.
Impact on those with critical needs
Often for people with special needs, like the infirm, disabled, and senior citizens, receiving support can be difficult, and in times of disaster, this becomes even harder. World Renew helps to provide access to the resources they need to survive.
Our Disaster Response
How we provide assistance in response to disasters, conflicts and other emergencies to communities around the world.
Every disaster impacts communities in different ways, which is why we offer different types of support to meet each community’s individual needs.
Immediate assistance
In the aftermath of destruction, food and shelter are essential. We connect participants with necessities and voucher programs to boost local economic activity and provide a sense of normalcy.
Needs assessment
We offer support to communities by helping them identify their most pressing needs and the most efficient ways to address those needs.
Long-term support
Our ultimate goal is to help rebuild communities impacted by disasters to be stronger and healthier, in order to better withstand future disasters.
Our Partnerships
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” – Hebrews 10:24
When we work in partnerships, we come alongside to strengthen local capacity.
This is why World Renew partners with churches and local non-profit organizations around the world to ensure we are providing the best assistance to foster long-term impacts.
Working with local partners in Honduras
Our efforts in Honduras after back-to-back hurricanes, Eta and Iota pummelled Latin America in late 2020, is one example of how World Renew worked with our local partners to support families after a natural disaster. Through its network of churches and partners in Honduras, World Renew was able to provide food packages and hygiene kits to 816 households to address the urgent needs of families.
A Grateful Heart
“I don’t know how to describe what happened to me other than to say that because of the church I was something and now I’m something else. The incident that happened with my only son was very hard. But having a new purpose and work and a chance to help other children has helped me. I want to thank God and this project and thank anyone who has contributed to the project.”
– Roula, Syrian Refugee and World Renew International Disaster Response Recipient who lost her son while fleeing conflict.
How You Can Help
Deliver hope and provide help when disasters strike
When disasters strike, it is natural that you would want to help and to make sure your donation is being used well. World Renew ensures your donation is used where it is needed the most. Here are some examples of that:
Emergency Food
Food is an essential part of life. Help ensure a family’s survival until help arrives, or until they can access food sources again.
Shelter
Shelter provides security, safety and protection from the elements and can help prevent health issues. It can also be provided to families escaping war. Some examples of shelter include:
- Emergency Shelter which provides tarps and tents.
- Transitional Shelter which includes a shelter kit with corrugated iron sheets, hammer, and nails.
- Permanent Shelter with earthquake, flood, or storm resistant designs.
Community Health
We help provide communities with the essentials, like soap or access to clean water, to ensure:
- Construction of latrines to reduce open defecation.
- Reduced risk of preventable diseases for at-risk communities.
- Training of community members and leaders on proper hygiene practices.
- Provision of medicine and mobile clinics.