Grace Thompson
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. It is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and operates numerous field offices on five continents. CRS provides relief in emergencies and helps people in the developing world break the cycle of poverty through community-based, sustainable development initiatives. The organisation has approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, but it also relies on volunteers to carry out its mission. Volunteers can get involved through the Catholic Volunteer Network or by contacting their local diocesan director for part-time opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of organization | Catholic humanitarian agency |
| Purpose | To assist the poor and vulnerable overseas |
| Headquarters | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Number of field offices | Five continents |
| Number of employees | 5,000 |
| Board of directors | 13 clergy (mostly bishops) and 10 lay people |
| Budget | $1.5 billion |
| Sources of funding | USAID and donations |
| Areas of focus | Emergency relief, community development, peacebuilding, health care, nutrition education, micro enterprise, agriculture |
| Number of volunteers | Not specified, but volunteers are heavily relied upon for many projects |
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What You'll Learn
Catholic Relief Services has around 5,000 employees globally
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. It carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. The agency is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and operates field offices on five continents.
CRS has approximately 5,000 employees around the world. It is governed by a board of directors consisting of 13 clergy, most of them bishops, and 10 lay people. As of February 2025, the organization had a $1.5 billion budget, about half of which was funded by USAID.
CRS provides relief in emergencies and helps people in the developing world break the cycle of poverty through community-based, sustainable development initiatives, as well as peacebuilding. Assistance is based solely on need, not race, creed, or nationality. The agency has been criticized by some Catholic groups for its approach to education regarding contraception and same-sex marriage.
CRS has a long history of providing aid to those affected by natural disasters and war. In 2017, for example, the agency responded to the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Maria in the Caribbean. Together with Caritas partners, CRS distributed thousands of food and hygiene kits to families in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In 2022, CRS provided €14.1 million for Caritas Ukraine in response to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
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Volunteers are heavily relied on for projects in Rwanda
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. It carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS has been supporting vulnerable families living in Rwanda since 1960, aligning with the CRS Global Strategy 2030.
CRS Rwanda works in three key programming areas: Health and Nutrition, Agriculture and Food Security, and Youth Entrepreneurship and Development. CRS's programming spans multiple sectors, including nutrition, early childhood development, agriculture and livelihoods, market systems development, youth entrepreneurship and employability, partnership, and capacity strengthening.
CRS heavily relies on volunteers for its projects in Rwanda. For example, CRS supported Caritas Rwanda, the largest participating local organization, in serving over 15,000 children through the PEPFAR-funded Community HIV&AIDS Mobilization Program. Community volunteers and older OVCs (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) participated in Savings and Internal Lending Communities. CRS has also reached 83,312 individuals through its 1,644 community volunteers in Rwanda.
The national Caritas network, which includes CRS, is active and operational even in the most remote parts of Rwanda through its approximately 390,000 volunteers. Caritas Rwanda provides food to refugees in the country, such as those living in the Mahama Refugee Camp near the Tanzanian border.
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Volunteers are also needed to help with hurricane relief efforts
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. It carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS offers many opportunities for universities to contribute to poverty alleviation and encourages U.S. Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering people overseas.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte staged and distributed supplies, provided food, and served more than 10,000 people at its distribution site. Catholic Charities of East Tennessee set up distribution sites at parishes in Erwin, Newport, and Greenville, and collection sites at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville and two other parishes. Volunteers with Catholic Charities also sourced six truckloads of water for Tennessee and North Carolina relief efforts.
The Disaster Response Program with Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice provides immediate assistance and long-term support to individuals and communities affected by natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. The program offers emergency relief, food and water distribution, emotional support, and helps individuals navigate the complex process of recovery and rebuilding. Catholic Charities is committed to providing immediate and long-term aid to rebuild lives and restore hope in communities devastated by disasters.
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The organisation has a $1.5 billion budget
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The organisation has a $1.5 billion budget, about half of which is funded by USAID.
CRS has a long history of providing aid and relief to those in need around the world. Initially founded as the War Relief Services, the agency's original purpose was to aid the refugees of war-torn Europe. Over time, the organisation's programming focus widened, adapting to meet the evolving needs of the communities it served. In the 1970s and 1980s, for example, programs that began as simple distributions of food, clothing, and medicine evolved towards socio-economic development initiatives. By the late 1980s, health care, nutrition education, micro enterprise, and agriculture had become major areas of focus for CRS programming.
CRS continues to play a crucial role in responding to global crises and emergencies. In recent years, the organisation has provided support to those affected by the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Gaza War, and Hurricane Maria, among other disasters. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, for instance, CRS distributed thousands of food and hygiene kits to families in Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
The organisation's $1.5 billion budget enables it to carry out its mission on a global scale. With approximately 5,000 employees worldwide and a network of field offices on five continents, CRS is able to reach and assist people in more than 100 countries. The budget allows CRS to fund a wide range of projects and initiatives, from providing basic necessities like food, water, and shelter to promoting community-based, sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts.
The budget also supports the organisation's commitment to financial transparency and accountability to its donors. CRS publishes financial reports and pledges to adhere to the intent of each donor's gift, ensuring that donations are used effectively and efficiently to make a lifesaving difference. With its substantial budget and dedicated team, CRS is well-equipped to continue its vital work of alleviating poverty and assisting the most vulnerable members of society worldwide.
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Catholic Relief Services is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a faith-based humanitarian agency that works internationally to assist the poor and vulnerable. It is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States, with a presence in over 110 countries and territories. CRS has a long history of providing aid and assistance to those in need around the world.
The organisation was founded in 1943 by the Bishops of the United States and has since dedicated itself to preserving the sacredness and dignity of human life. CRS's commitment to assisting those in need is guided by Catholic values and the belief that all human life is sacred. With a focus on global solidarity, the organisation works to address the root causes of injustice and poverty.
CRS's headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, serves as the central hub for its international operations. The Posner Building houses the administrative and leadership functions that guide the organisation's work worldwide. From Baltimore, CRS coordinates its extensive network of field offices, partners, and volunteers to deliver aid and assistance where it is needed most.
CRS offers a range of volunteer opportunities for those who wish to put their faith into action and create a better world. Volunteers can work with CRS directly or through partner organisations such as the Catholic Volunteer Network. These opportunities allow individuals to serve communities in need both domestically and internationally.
In addition to its volunteer programmes, CRS also engages in advocacy work, policy influence, and public awareness campaigns. Through its headquarters in Baltimore, CRS connects with Catholics across the United States, encouraging them to advocate for change and put their faith into action. The organisation also provides resources and prayers for those wishing to support their mission spiritually.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) does not disclose the number of volunteers it has. However, it does provide numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.
If you are interested in volunteering part-time within your diocese, you can contact your local diocesan director. There are also many ways to get involved with CRS' mission in your own community. Visit the "Get Involved" section of the CRS website for more information.
Yes, if you are interested in full-time volunteering, you may contact Catholic Volunteer Network at 1-800-543-5046 or visit its website at www.catholicvolunteernetwork.org.
Catholic Relief Services is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Its mission is to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas without regard to race, religion, or nationality.
