Natural disasters of epic proportions recently claimed thousands of lives in communities spanning the globe. The devastation began with a south Asian tsunami in December 2004 and continued with such cataclysmic events as Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma; a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Pakistan; and flooding and subsequent mudslides in Guatemala and the Philippines. Survivors often were left with little hope for their future and few resources to restore their lives.

HOPE worldwide served victims of all these disasters. We launched disaster relief operations around the globe on a scale eclipsing any other period in our 15-year history. We are grateful for the generosity of thousands of individuals, churches and partner organizations who made this work possible.

Our network of staff and volunteers, working with comprehensive programs on all six inhabited continents, positions HOPE worldwide well to provide exemplary service when a disaster strikes. Many times, HOPE worldwide staff and volunteers are the first on the scene to provide immediate assistance to survivors.

HOPE worldwide 's dual focus on providing immediate relief and long term solutions is exemplified by our Indian affiliate’s “Save the Family” campaign that provided new boats and equipment to fishermen and their families in Indian coastal communities following the South Asian tsunami. This program earned worldwide media recognition for its timeliness and impact.

Consistent with our vision of bringing hope and changing lives, HOPE worldwide 's disaster relief services extend beyond meeting critical immediate needs to establishing ongoing sustainable community-based Centers of HOPE worldwide to assist the victims in rebuilding their lives. This focus on long-term solutions differentiates us from organizations whose services are limited to short term relief.

HOPE worldwide 's disaster relief lessons learned on the ground in other parts of the world make us uncommonly qualified to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the United States. In addition to our relief operations immediately following the storm, we are in the process of organizing a Center of HOPE worldwide to provide ongoing services in the Gulf Coast region.