Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is responding to the displacement and refugee crisis in Liberia in cooperation with our mission partner, Concerned Christian Community (CCC).
Since the beginning of December 2010, political turmoil has caused between 25,000 and 50,000 Cote d'Ivoire refugees, as well as 25,000 Liberians living in Cote d'Ivoire, to enter Liberia. The number of refugees is creating pressures for Liberian authorities and for host communities. Many villages are hosting as many refugees as residents. In some villages, refugees even outnumber residents. An example is the border village of Loguato, where 5,307 refugees are living with just 1,743 locals.
Gigly's mother carried her from the Ivory Coast to Liberia to protect her from the spreading violence. Photo by Päivi Muma, ACT/FinnChurchAid
PDA One Great Hour of Sharing funds are helping CCC in providing:
- immediate food and non-food item emergency relief assistance to 2,000-3,000 vulnerable families;
- trauma counseling and HIV/AIDS awareness services to more than 500 women and girls;
- emergency mobile medical services to the refugees; and
- limited water and sanitation assistance through the construction of hand pumps and emergency latrines.
How you can help
You can stand in the "GAP" for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, clean up provisions, long-term and unmet needs, and spiritual/emotional counseling.
Individuals may give online, or through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR000079 - Liberia.
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
ACT. Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs.
PRAY. Please pray for the Cote d'Ivoire refugees and displaced Liberian people, and for those hosting displaced families in their communities.