Providing Emergency Relief to People in Need
The emergency relief efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are rooted in following the Savior’s example to help those in need. As individuals receive aid and learn principles of self-reliance, they are better able to feel the love of God and provide for their families.
—Elder Ian S. Ardern, general conference, Oct. 2023
Emergency Relief
Across the globe, the Church focuses on helping individuals prepare for and respond to crises, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, war, emergency situations, and famine. This includes efforts like:
Preparedness
The Church’s emergency response efforts are guided by the principles of preparation and self-reliance. The Church counsels its members to prepare for disasters and other emergency situations by living within their means, setting aside monetary savings, and establishing food and water storage.
Psychological First Aid
Almost all who are affected by emergencies will experience psychological distress. Through its Family Services organization, the Church renders psychological first aid worldwide to assist those impacted by emergencies.
Who Is Impacted by This Effort?
Individuals and Families
At its core, the Church’s emergency relief effort is intended to help the one. Individuals who receive aid can better support their families and communities.
Communities
As communities receive temporal and emotional relief from the Church, they can overcome crises, rise above disasters, and build anew.
Government Leaders
The Church often works with local governments to address the needs of citizens during emergencies and other crises.
How Can I Get Involved?
There are many things you can do to get involved in this effort to provide emergency relief to those in need. For example, you can:
- Become a certified volunteer through an organization that assists with emergency response situations.
- Prepare for potential emergencies by creating your own personal emergency plans.
- Contact a nonprofit that supports refugees in your area to see how you can help.
- Volunteer with or donate to emergency relief projects at JustServe.org.
See What the Church Did in 2023
Learn more about how the Church provided relief for those in need in the 2023 Caring Summary.
Emergency Relief in 2023