CHF International responds to the crisis in Georgia

The Statement of the CHF International

(SILVER SPRING, MD, August 12, 2008) – Deeply concerned over the conflict in Georgia and its impact on the civilian population, CHF International is immediately deploying an emergency response team to affected areas to assess humanitarian needs and to determine how CHF can best provide assistance to displaced populations.

Since 2004, CHF has supported community development in Georgia, enabling Georgians throughout the country to build economic infrastructure, develop livelihoods and enhance community capacity. With a nationwide presence and strong community relations, CHF also has significant experience working with populations in the conflict-affected areas neighboring South Ossetia and Abkhazia, including Gori and Zugdidi.

Support is urgently needed in order to respond to the mounting humanitarian crisis. People can donate to CHF’s emergency response efforts in Georgia through the website at www.chfinternational.org

A preliminary assessment has demonstrated that current emergency needs include providing non-food item assistance, such as clothing and footwear provision of foodstuffs in order to prevent a potential food shortage that could arise if additional ports are closed; provision of medical supplies, including ventilators, burn medications and antibiotics; and rehabilitation of vital infrastructure, including roads, ports and housing.