Catholic Relief Services: Protecting Human Life Worldwide

The official international humanitarian agency of the American Catholic community, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) exists to help disadvantaged people overseas while promoting the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of human life. CRS serves anyone in need, regardless of their religion, race, or ethnicity. The charity was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the US to assist World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, CRS has reached over 100 million people in 91 countries around the world.

As a pro-life organization, Catholic Relief Services protects and advances human life worldwide by directly meeting basic needs and combating injustice. CRS works with Catholic institutions around the globe, as well as participates in humanitarian initiatives carried out by governments, other faith communities, secular institutions, and other groups.

A top-rated charity by CharityWatch and Charity Navigator, CRS adheres to strict standards of efficiency, transparency, and accountability – 93 percent of the organization's expenses go straight to programs. CRS focuses on six key areas of service, namely: emergencies, hunger, education, health, peace, and helping at home.

With a holistic approach to emergency relief and long-term development, CRS works to ensure that all people, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable, have access to basic necessities, health care, education, and a peaceful environment. In the event of a war or natural disaster, CRS is usually among the first on the ground providing food, water, shelter, and other basic needs. In addition, the charity looks at the root causes of conflict and helps communities create lasting peace and change. To fight chronic hunger and poverty around the world, CRS takes a multi-pronged approach that includes mitigating hunger, developing sustainable work options, improving water and sanitation, and providing microfinance for small businesses, among others. At home in the US, CRS educates Catholics about important issues and encourages them to advocate for positive changes.