We are an international aid and development agency working to support and assist the world's poorest and most needy communities regardless of race, creed or nationality. We do so . . . 

• by responding quickly to emergencies and working with and for survivors of natural and human-caused disasters with relief assistance that saves and sustains lives; and 
 

• by undertaking long-term development projects to break cycles of endemic poverty enabling communities to recover and rebuild fruitful and sustainable lives of their own.