Humanitarian Crisis Response
Supporting grassroots relief efforts and long-term recovery work in the aftermath of major human-caused crises and natural disasters
Image: People walk past devastation in red-zoned area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti after an earthquake
When systems fail, communities lead
UUSC brings a disaster justice framework to our comprehensive analysis of humanitarian crisis response — recognizing that crises can become pivotal moments for communities and civil society to get involved with mutual aid, collective care, and grassroots power-building. We recognize how disasters are often used to erode democratic measures, so our work is in stark contrast to governments, corporations, and international actors who use crises as an opportunity to impose exploitative policies which serve their interests over those of local communities.
How we show up in crisis
Every crisis is a call to action, an invitation to come together and support one another. UUSC’s humanitarian relief work centers people’s human rights — prioritizing community-led response and long-term recovery. Crises can provide opportunities to strengthen grassroots movements, shift power, and replace the systems that create and exacerbate vulnerability.
For UUSC, humanitarian aid is an extension of human rights. Our work respects community knowledge, wisdom, and self-determination. We provide resources to support the systems they’ve built to care for people.
Our Approach in Action:
- Directly Resourcing Community-Led Response – In Sudan, we fund Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), grassroots mutual aid networks providing food, medical care, and safe evacuation routes when international humanitarian aid is blocked.
- Ensuring Safety and Protection Systems – We work with the people of Burma to create networks of safety by providing technology and communications systems for people to have early warning systems of village raids and airstrikes, saving lives.
- Strengthening Frontline Communications and Advocacy – In Haiti, we support locally-led media and storytelling efforts to uplift the resilience of communities rebuilding from political and environmental disasters — rejecting exploitative narratives that erase Haitian self-determination.
Meet the leaders on the frontlines
UUSC’s work is guided by partnerships with grassroots movements responding to humanitarian crises around the world. These are the organizations restoring safety, dignity, and justice in the face of disaster and displacement.
Dive deeper into our crisis response efforts
Burma
UUSC’s support and solidarity helps grassroots partners to provide aid and relief that works towards a peaceful future.
Haiti
UUSC remains in partnership with Haitian organizers as they endure violence and foreign interference.
Ukraine
UUSC is there for Ukraine’s most impacted communities by focusing resources to where it’s needed most.
Support community-led response
Your gift delivers vital resources directly to grassroots organizations leading the way through a crisis — providing care, protecting rights, and organizing for long-term change.
