Lutheran World Relief Providing Shelter Repair, Debris Removal in the Philippines
Grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Supports LWR’s Emergency Relief Efforts
Baltimore, November 14, 2013 – In the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) staff in the Philippines are working to begin distributing shelter repair kits and organize debris removal efforts in northern Cebu and western Leyte, two of the areas hardest-hit by the devastating storm.
Haiyan left behind a path of massive destruction when it swept through the Philippines last Friday. The full extent of damages and casualties is not yet known and may not be for some time. The hardest hit areas remain difficult to reach, cut off by landslides, flooding, fallen trees, damaged roads and downed power lines. Communication is also very limited and power is still down throughout the area.
A grant of $800,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will support LWR’s work to assist survivors by providing shelter repair kits; providing debris removal through a cash-for-work program; and providing non-food items such as cooking supplies. In addition to this direct support to survivors, LWR will support the overall response effort by offering training on international humanitarian standards to local governments and other responding agencies.
In addition to the work supported by the Gates Foundation, LWR also plans to send four shipping containers of Quilts and Personal Care Kits, Baby Care Kits and School Kits from its U.S. warehouses. These items will reach at least 26,000 families.
“We are thrilled to receive this support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” said Tim McCully, LWR’s vice president for international programs. “We have worked together on a number of projects, including a similar response after Typhoon Bopha struck the Philippines in 2012, and their continuing support will ensure that we can reach even more of the people who are suffering in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.”
The situation in the Philippines is dire and the need remains great. LWR is accepting donations for this emergency. Please give online, call 800.597.5972, or mail a check to Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Indicate “Philippines Typhoon” on your check. To learn more about donating Quilts and Kits, please visit our website.
Media Contact: Emily Sollie Cell 443-220-3269; email esollie@lwr.org
WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945. LWR is highly rated for efficiency and effectiveness, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, an “A” rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of U.S. Lutherans, serving communities living in poverty overseas.
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