U.S. disaster preparedness and response

A woman wearing an orange CARE t-shirt and matching face mask holds two bags of chips up to a man carrying a cardboard box with a large paper bag stacked on top. Behind them are large stacks of plastic water bottles.

CARE staff member Gabby Dirden supports local food distribution as part of CARE's COVID-19 Response. CARE delivered 13 million meals in the U.S. as part of its pandemic response. Photo credit: © 2021 Laura Noel/CARE

United States of America

U.S. disaster preparedness and response

"Speed to need" for women and families in the last mile

CARE’s disaster relief efforts in the United States

Disaster response systems in the U.S. routinely fail low-income women and families, especially in underserved communities. These communities are often prioritized last or face significant challenges in navigating disaster assistance systems. As a result, they are left unprepared, isolated, and at risk during crises.

CARE is the only humanitarian organization in the country that focuses specifically on supporting women through disaster recovery. In crisis, women are the true first responders and we know that when women succeed, families recover and communities thrive.

We bridge the gaps in service by partnering with women-led, community-based organizations such as women’s shelters, mothers’ programs, and afterschool programs. Together, we deliver fast disaster response that reaches the last mile and builds long-term community resilience.

The Power of Partnership

When Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville, it left more than just debris and devastation in its wake. It revealed the extraordinary power of community.

Watch how CARE and YWCA joined forces to provide hope, direct cash support, and resilience in the storm’s aftermath.

Preparedness

Through our CARE Partner Network, we work with trusted women-led local organizations before an emergency to provide training, preposition resources and build relationships with emergency stakeholders. This helps build local capacity to withstand shocks and expedites emergency relief efforts.

Response

When disaster strikes, CARE is there. We:

Coordinate and advise on women’s and families’ needs: We work across national and local emergency organizations, raising the voice of women and low-income communities. We train partners in assessing and meeting families’ needs and ensuring efforts are collaborative and not duplicated.
Distribute essential high-need items: We distribute CARE PACKAGE® boxes of essential items most needed by women and families, such as hygiene supplies, items for mother and baby care, and food.
Provide cash assistance to families: We give families the dignity to purchase items that fit their unique needs — including food, clothing, and rent — while supporting local businesses.
Foster community organization recovery: We provide grants to local organizations serving the most at-risk women and families, including domestic shelters, mothers’ programs, afterschool programs, and food banks. We prioritize stabilizing these organizations, which are essential for community recovery.

A woman holding a young child and an envelope stands next to a CARE staff member.

CARE staff member Bianca Oviedo supports a local mom in North Carolina through cash assistance following Hurricane Helene. Seventy percent of CARE's cash recipients during Helene were single moms. Photo credit: © 2024 CARE