Disasters wreak havoc in the lives of people and communities as they churn their stormy course. They are hard to anticipate or withstand by even the most vigilant let alone poor areas where living itself is a chore. In the last decade, 4,777 natural disasters have killed over 880,000 people; destroyed countless homes; damaged health or devastated livelihoods of about 2 billion people. Economic losses surpass $685 billion around the world. (Living With Risk, 2002). Even though their occurrences seem haphazard and surprising there are a few certainties: more disasters will happen, aid will be needed ASAP, and with your help Operation Blessing can respond.

Operation Blessing has been there for rescue workers and terror victims assisting with post-9/11 recovery efforts in Washington DC and New York. We’ve been there for tsunami victims in India, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka; hurricane victims in Louisiana and Mississippi; famine victims in Niger; war victims in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the list goes on.

Operation Blessing is a first-responder when disaster strikes in the United States and around the globe. You can join us in speeding aid and bringing peace to people whose world is taken by storm!

With the help of compassionate friends, Operation Blessing answers and quickly responds to the desperate cries of disaster victims delivering relief supplies to where they are needed most. We also mobilize specialized response teams to come to the aid of victims when more complex responses are needed.

In the aftermath of disasters quick appraisal of critical needs and speedy response are crucial. Operation Blessing works side by side with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other our worldwide network of helping agencies to get information from the scene almost as soon as it happens. We then set about acquiring and moving the most needed supplies to the disaster scene. Partnering organizations, churches and local community leaders within a close distance to disaster zones often help in the distribution of relief items.

Every disaster is unique – the type, location, severity and surrounding resource availability all play into the equation. We use our broad network of local partnering agencies to get up to the minute situation assessments. Then, with our wide array of resources we start mobilizing the right kind of aid – often within hours of the disaster.

When disaster hits in the USA...
OBI brings an effective assortment of talents and resources to help meet the variety of needs that can be found in the aftermath of a disaster. We utilize our own Hunger Strike Force, a fleet of 18 tractors and 58 trailers. This armada is used to transport millions of pounds of food, clothing, medical, relief, and building supplies to disadvantaged individuals throughout the United States.

When disaster strikes around the world...
We respond to international disasters in the same effective way although we transport the aid and resources to these devastated regions by plane, boat or rail.

Regardless of where disaster strikes Operation Blessing is quick to mobilize teams of volunteers to work in the effected areas providing specialized services that may be needed. In most disasters local teams are assembled to distribute the supplies we send and care for each victim with loving concern. But at time external help is also required.

Whatever the need, with your help we can be there to bring peace after the storm.

Disaster may strike at anytime. Being prepared for the unexpected and responding quickly in times of emergency are crucial. Being ready at these critical moments is our goal. With your help we can be with at the right time with the right kind of aid.

There are many ways to join the team. Gifts as small as $10 can provide Personal Hygiene kits to people who have lost homes and belongings. Donations of $45 can secure tents for families forces to flee their villages due to floods or fighting -- many were given to Afghan families just last year. Hot meals can be provided for 100 hungry refugees for $100.

At home, our Hunger Strike Force is on the move daily delivering food and other aid across the country. These trucks can respond to disasters at a moments notice. In one week a Hunger Strike Force truck can deliver an average of 236,978 pounds of food and supplies to disaster victims for just $4300 in operating expenses -- a worthy investment when innocent people are cold, hungry and without shelter. This isn’t much when you compare it to the impact these supplies have.

Another key element of quick response is having access to the critical supplies needed on the scene of the disaster. Bulk donations of Gifts-in-Kind, including safe water, cleaning supplies, nonperishable food and blankets allow us to be on prepared disaster alert. Quick response is essential in the wake of disasters.

Become a part of our team today and let us be your agent compassion in times of disaster.