Most Catholics in this country are aware of American organizations, religious and otherwise, that provide emergency relief and development assistance to poverty-stricken areas around the world. Because of American generosity, these agencies are able to effectively and consistently much-needed aid.
While not an American, Malteser International is also a well-established organization through which generous souls in the United States can support disaster relief and humanitarian work overseas. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany with US offices in New York, Malteser International is the relief agency of the Catholic Sovereign Order of Malta (the Knights and Dames of Malta) and fulfills the Order’s mission of ‘serving the poor and the sick’.
According to its website (www.malteser-international.org), since 1956 Malteser has had as its core task improving the health and well-being of suffering and displaced people around the world.
“We provide emergency and disaster relief in the immediate aftermath of acute disasters and work towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of afflicted communities. We work on the frontlines to provide immediate and long-term relief to those who need it most”.
Operating in more the twenty-five countries, Malteser collaborates with local partner organizations in programs that provide clean water, sanitation, hygiene, food, and shelter to communities devastated by natural disasters such as floods, fires, droughts, and manmade disruptions such as civil war and armed conflict.
As an arm of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Malteser points to its faith as its motivation. Again, from its website: “Christian values and the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence are the foundation of our work. We are committed to the highest levels of innovation, professionalism, quality, and transparency. Driven by our values, and thanks to our over 65 years of experience, we remain a trustworthy organization for our donors, partners, and most importantly, for the people we serve. Through our work, we experience joy, find greater meaning, and a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals. Globally, we are united by the goal of standing alongside the displaced, and people in need. Together we’re working to build a life of health and dignity”.
An advantage Malteser International enjoys is its association with the Order of Malta, a Sovereign Order with branches around the world. This association enables Malteser to address acute needs immediately and effectively. What is more, because of its independence from any one nation, it can in certain cases have access unavailable to other international aid organizations.
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