How We Do It

Search and rescue teams deployed by USAID from Fairfax County and Los Angeles County fire departments arrive in Misawa Air Force Base in Japan.

Staff Sgt. Marie Brown, U.S. Air Force

USAID staff in Washington, D.C., and worldwide continually work to ensure that aid reaches those affected by crisis—wherever they are and whenever they need it.  We monitor emerging crises, pre-position relief supplies, and develop programs to ensure that local communities are prepared for potential disaster.  When we know a disaster is looming, we even pre-deploy response teams and take early action to help reduce the suffering and destruction that many disasters cause.

In the aftermath of a disaster, USAID utilizes its professional cadre of regional and technical humanitarian experts,  including engineers, doctors, epidemiologists, and logisticians.  They are deployable within hours to help identify the most pressing humanitarian needs.  Through well-established processes and partnerships with relief agencies, USAID quickly and responsibly disburses funding for critical humanitarian activities.  USAID has stocks of food aid and relief supplies, like shelter materials and water containers, positioned in regional hubs around the world.  When communities need something we don’t have in stock, we fast-track procurement to ensure that the supplies are delivered as quickly as possible.

Providing rapid assistance is crucial, but ensuring we provide assistance in an appropriate way is essential in helping communites begin to recover and rebuild.  USAID’s humanitarian experts strive to do just that.