Emergency Response

International Development UK

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Emergency Response is one of The Salvation Army International Development UK's five areas of work.

We work alongside territories around the world to disaster risk reduction, in the immediate aftermath of disasters and emergency situations and to help rebuild and recover following a disasters and emergency situation. The Salvation Army is swift to respond with practical and pastoral care. 

The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland territory has supported emergency response projects in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia and more.

A woman wearing a white shirt and Salvation Army name badge stands facing the camera
'If we are good, even more good people will gather around us, and in that way we can win through goodness, which is what The Salvation Army does - creating an army of good people who fight against all evil.'
Anzhelika Kryvenko journeyed from seeking support as a refugee to leading a Salvation Army refugee centre in Riga, Latvia

Ukraine Response

The Salvation Army is active in Ukraine and across Europe, providing practical and emotional support to people whose lives have been deeply affected by the ongoing conflict. Working through local Salvation Army teams and trusted partners, support includes emergency assistance such as food, water, shelter and essential household items, alongside longer-term programmes that help people rebuild their lives and find stability.

As the crisis has evolved, so too has The Salvation Army's response. Alongside meeting immediate needs, programmes now focus on areas such as community integration, psychosocial support, trauma recovery and helping displaced families establish a sense of normality and belonging. One example comes from Romania, where The Salvation Army has supported Ukrainian refugees since the earliest days of the crisis. Working in partnership with government agencies, UNHCR and other organisations, teams initially provided emergency assistance through a refugee reception hub in Bucharest, distributing vouchers for food, clothing and medicine while offering practical guidance and compassionate support. 

As displacement became prolonged, the response adapted to address longer-term challenges including rising living costs, access to services and economic insecurity. Over two years, the programme supported more than 93,000 people, including over 53,000 children, helping families meet essential needs while restoring dignity, choice and stability during an uncertain time.

Through responses like this, The Salvation Army continues to stand alongside people affected by the conflict, providing practical help, emotional support and hope for the future.

Read more about The Salvation Army's support for refugees in Romania

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Areas of Work 

We work alongside communities in the areas of Anti-Trafficking, Clean Water, Emergency Response, Food Security, and Women and Girls to support them to overcome poverty and injustice. We are also responsible for overseeing the transfer of funds for the UK’s Mission Support Allocation (money donated through the annual Self-Denial Appeal).

Anti-Trafficking

Working through prevention, protection and partnership to tackle human trafficking and support survivors.

Clean Water

Working alongside communities to improve access to clean water and improved sanitation.

Food Security

Working alongside communities to overcome food insecurity

Women and Girls

Working with women to pursue gender justice and address inequality.

International Development

Supporting communities around the world to overcome poverty and injustice

Who We Are

Meet the team behind The Salvation Army International Development UK.

How We Work

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