When natural disasters or conflict results in a large number of people losing everything they have and being displaced, there are many humanitarian groups that come to their rescue and provide them with aid and relief goods. Unfortunately, for most of the victims of these tragic circumstances, the help they receive isn’t enough.

Mercy Corps is a non-profit humanitarian organization that aims not just to provide immediate relief to victims of extreme poverty, calamities, and war. They stay and help rebuild these communities through their various projects and programs.

Founded in 1979, Mercy Corps began when Dan O’Neill founded a group called Safe the Refugees Fund in order to help Cambodian refugees who have fled to escape the famine-stricken and murderous atmosphere in their homeland. The following year, O’Neill became friends with Ellsworth Culver, a man who shared his passion for helping those in need. They envisioned an organization that provides sustainable development solutions that go beyond just giving victims food and clothing. That’s when they decided to form Mercy Corps. The organization was incorporated two years later and began working on their first development project in Honduras. Throughout the years, Mercy Corps has made its presence felt in areas stricken by natural disasters, war, and extreme poverty caused by economic collapse and other factors that contribute to the struggles and hardships people in these devastated areas go through day by day.

The programs Mercy Corps implement in each location they operate depend on the resources available and the needs of the people they are helping. They’ve launched numerous programs including agricultural development, livelihood projects, microfinance projects, health and medical operations, and youth development programs in their areas of operation. Since the organization was formed, Mercy Corps has helped millions of people in 144 countries across the globe. They have also since provided billions of dollars in aid for those who need them the most.