International Relief Teams: A Lifeline in Times of Crisis
Our Mission:
International Relief Teams’ mission is to improve the lives of people affected by emergencies and poverty around the world by providing life’s most essential resources of food, water, shelter and medicines.
Since 1988, International Relief Teams has provided over $723 million in assistance to 77 countries. We’re committed to bringing hope and critical resources to those in need, often in areas experiencing unimaginable loss.
Our Impact in Action:
Responding Swiftly to Disasters and Conflict:
When disasters strike, we act. International Relief Teams works with partners on the ground in affected areas to mobilize resources quickly to provide food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. In the past year, we’ve responded to natural disasters across the United States, including hurricane relief in Florida and North Carolina, and wildfire recovery in California and Maui. Additionally, International Relief Teams partnered with organizations on the ground in Syria, Ukraine, and Isreal to provide 112,000 people impacted by war with lifesaving food, water, and sanitation essentials.
Supporting Global Health:
International Relief Teams work tirelessly to support healthcare systems in under-resourced regions. This year, we provided $45 million worth of essential medicines and medical supplies to hospitals in Syria, Lebanon, and Guatemala. These critical supplies help treat thousands who lack access to even the most basic healthcare services.
Fighting Hunger and Food Insecurity:
Our programs address food insecurity for communities affected by poverty and crisis. This year alone, we have:
– Delivered 53,500 meals to hurricane-affected families in the U.S.
– Provided 48,180 meals to abandoned and abused children living in an orphanage in Mexico.
Feeding San Diego’s Kids is a weekend food assistance program developed by International Relief Teams. Since 2012, the program has served families with children attending the San Diego Unified School District who have been identified as low-income. All the families served are located in dense urban communities in central San Diego.
Our goal is to pick up where the school lunch program leaves off. Each week, volunteers fill food packs with nutritional food for a family of 4 for 2 days. At the end of the week, food packs are delivered by volunteers to local schools where a designated School Liaison distributes them to those children in the program. Last year, 460,800 meals were provided to low-income schoolchildren and their families in San Diego.
Rebuilding Homes for Families in Need
International Relief Teams supports the reconstruction of homes for families affected by disasters or living in poverty, restoring not just shelter but also hope and stability. This year, we helped rebuild and repair homes in areas hit hardest by hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires, giving families a safe place to call home once again.
How International Relief Teams Benefits Communities:
- Immediate Relief in Times of Crisis: International Relief Teams’ quick action in disaster zones provides immediate relief, addressing the urgent needs of families who have lost everything. Our support empowers communities to start the journey to rebuild and recover.
- Long-Term Recovery and Resilience: Beyond initial relief, International Relief Teams invests in long-term recovery efforts. From rebuilding homes and infrastructure, our work helps communities restore stability and resilience.
- Improved Access to Health and Nutrition: By supplying critical medicines and food, we improve the health and nutrition of vulnerable populations. This approach strengthens communities and promotes long-term well-being.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Our work depends on supporters who believe in bringing hope and aid to those who need it most. Your support can help us continue to provide lifesaving assistance to communities in crisis, wherever disaster strikes.
To learn more about International Relief Teams and our work, please visit our website www.irteams.org