I am very worried about my family in Pakistan," says John Javed, Assistant Regional Director of the Greater Southeast Region of Church World Service (CWS). " My sister tells me that thousands have been forced from their homes, without any food, shelter or medical care," continues Javed, who founded the CWS program in Mansehra, Pakistan. "With donations from our local communities, CWS can certainly do something to prevent this situation from becoming a human disaster," adds Javed.


Congregational Offerings Requested  CWS, known for it's community-based CROP Hunger Walks and Blankets + Program, has issued an appeal for $100,000 for the humanitarian emergency in Pakistan.  This includes $70,696 for shelter kits, family food kits and partner support, and $28,863 to replace supplies (blankets, shelter kits) used from CWS's pre-positioned stock - this aid for an initial 6-week period.

CWS as Trainer of other NGOs in the Affected Area    CWS was one of the primary deliverers of relief and recovery assistance after the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and because of its long-term presence, having worked in the area for 60 years, CWSis in a strong position to help beyond immediate relief assistance. CWS is conferring with the United Nations as to serving as a Humanitarian Accountability Project/Sphere focal point for training and support to partners, local NGOs and ACT members.

Launching Mobile Health Clinics CWS is also in discussion with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees about utilizing the expertise that exists with CWS Staff in the Mansehra health post  (currently receiving UNHCR support), in order to expand medical outreach through several mobile health clinics to serve families displaced by the current fighting. 

To help, call:  888-297-2767

Photo credit: CWS.  CWS tents are helping to shelter displaced children and families in Pakistan.