Counterpart International Supports Flood-Affected Families in Eastern Georgia

Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia, March 31, 2010 --(PR.com)-- As heavy rains caused serious flooding throughout the region last week, Counterpart International (Counterpart) was able to provide hundreds of families with basic necessities like sleeping bags and blankets. After receiving a letter requesting assistance, Counterpart quickly coordinated the distribution of humanitarian assistance to the over 500 affected families.

“Vulnerable families are at even great risk due to these floods. Counterpart’s rapid response helps ensure these families are able to meet their most basic daily needs,” says Mary Angelini, Vice President of Counterpart’s Community and Humanitarian Assistance Programs (CHAP).

Heavy rain in Eastern Georgia has caused serious flooding and forced hundreds of families out of their homes, leaving them without basic necessities. Since the rains began on March 16, water has breached the river banks and washed away roads. Homes, bridges and agricultural lands have all been destroyed, and high water levels have resulted in the death of a significant number of poultry and cattle.

Emergency supplies consisting of 500 sleeping bags, 1000 bed sheets, 1000 blankets, 500 towels, and 80 cots from the U.S. Department of State’s disaster package stock staged in Tbilisi was distributed by Counterpart’s team in Georgia within days of the flooding. Additionally, 60 bales of used clothing from Counterpart’s warehouse were released to complement the assistance.

Counterpart also coordinated with other U.S. Department of State grantees to gather needed supplies, like dehydrated soup mix from A Call to Serve (ACTS) Georgia and infant formula and vitamins from United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Local authorities and affected families expressed deep appreciation for the assistance.

The successful response to this disaster was made possible by the U.S. Department of State Office of the Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia and the U.S. Embassy in Georgia. In addition to funding Counterpart programs in the former Soviet Union, the U.S. Department of State provides funding for Counterpart to manage disaster packages reserved for situations such as this. These disaster packages are located in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Armenia.

Counterpart International has operated in Georgia since 1995. Through its network of 960 partner organizations, Counterpart has imported and distributed over US$158 million worth of humanitarian assistance to nearly 2.5 million needy Georgians.

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Established in 1965, Counterpart International has forged strategic partnerships in more than 65 countries. With 350 staff currently operating in 25countries, Counterpart’s programs encompass humanitarian aid and relief assistance, democracy and governance, economic development, and feeding the impoverished. Though Counterpart’s projects are diverse, they share a common objective: improving the lives of those in need by empowering people and local institutions to develop innovative and lasting solutions that address social, economic and environmental challenges. Learn more at www.counterpart.org .
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Mary Angelini
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