Baltimore -- Lutheran World Relief is supporting humanitarian assistance for people driven from their homes by the ongoing conflict between Georgia and Russia.

Fighting broke out on August 8 in the province of South Ossetia, prompting tens of thousands of civilians to flee the region.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that nearly 100,000 people have been displaced by the conflict.

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is responding to the immediate humanitarian needs such as food and hygiene items through our partner organization International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). IOCC has staff on the ground in both Russia and Georgia and has a long history in the region. LWR plans to provide financial support to the IOCC response as well as to coordinate a delivery of school kits through IOCC for displaced children. LWR is also looking into the possibility of sending additional material resources such as quilts, health kits or layettes.  

International alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International anticipates releasing an appeal in the coming days for a longer-term response, which LWR also plans to support. 

“Many people in the region had to flee without any personal belongings,” saidMichael Kauder, LWR’s program manager for emergency response.  “Until this situation is resolved, people will need clothes, clean water, and shelter to sustain themselves.”  Our partners have already begun distributing these items, as well as other aid, to those who have fled their homes.

Lutheran World Relief is accepting donations for the Georgia/Caucasus crisis.  The best way to help in a crisis is to give cash, which enables our partners on the ground to respond quickly. You may donate online at lwr.org, by phone at by phone at 1-800-597-5972; or by mail at P.O. Box 17061 Baltimore, MD 21298-9832, USA.