Our Mission: To save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the impact of disasters by helping people in need become more self-reliant.

USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance is the U.S. Government lead for international disaster assistance, reaching tens of millions of people around the world each year with life-saving aid.

On average, we respond to 75 crises in more than 70 countries each year, providing food, water, shelter, health care, and other critical aid to people who need it most. We work to ensure that this assistance reaches people affected by natural disasters—including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes—as well as slow-onset crises, such as drought and conflict. Take a look at where we work.

Not only do we save lives, we empower communities to become more self-reliant by preparing them for disasters before they strike—and by giving them the tools and ability to respond. After a crisis, we help people get back on their feet, and we help the chronically poor move out of poverty.