Our Projects

To people around the world Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is easing the burdens of  hundreds of thousands of people each year. For ninety years the reach of MCC has grown to impact lives in 60 countries.

MCC began when Mennonites in North America responded to the needs of people in Russia and Ukraine who were facing starvation from the affects of war. By providing immediate relief of food and other resources, MCC helped families overcome famine and regain their livelihoods. Today, MCC continues to respond by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters and war. When people are desperate for food, water, relief kits, blankets, shelter, and various other items, MCC comes alongside those who are often left with nothing.

Over the past 15 years, MCC has responded to dozens of disasters which have often gone unreported. Droughts in Kenya, floods in Mozambique, famine in Ethiopia—all are crises that have affected hundreds of thousands of peoples’ lives. And all are disasters which MCC was able to respond to because of the generosity of folks like you. Here is a glimpse into a few large-scale and well-known disasters which MCC was and are currently responding to.

Hurricane Mitch
In 1998, Hurricane Mitch became the second deadliest hurricane to hit the country of Honduras. Causing widespread flooding throughout Honduras, Nicaragua, and much of Central America, Hurricane Mitch wreaked havoc on both the land and the people. With workers already on the ground, MCC responded immediately to this disaster. Relief kits, water, food, blankets and shelter was provided for the people. MCC continued to work for many years through local church partners to rebuild homes, farms, and livelihoods throughout Central America.

Even today, MCC works with families that were devastated by Hurricane Mitch by providing education, agricultural support, and ongoing material aid to those who were displaced and deeply affected by that tragic event.

Indonesian Tsunami
In December of 2004 an earthquake struck in the Indian Ocean, causing a devastating tsunami to hit the coasts of many countries throughout South Asia. This tsunami killed over 230,000 people and left entire cities flattened in its wake. MCC has long had a presence in South Asia, most notably in the countries of Indonesia and India. Immediately after the earthquake and tsunami, MCC was there to help in the clean up process—providing food, water, and shelter. Since the tsunami, MCC has continued to work through local churches to help rebuild homes and villages. MCC also helped families regain their livelihoods by helping fishermen and farmers get back to their trades so that they could provide again for their families. MCC also focused on providing trauma counseling to those affected by the tsunami, as thousands were experiencing deep trauma from the sudden loss of family, friends, and livelihoods in those quick and tragic events. In both the immediate aftermath of the tsunami and over the long-term, MCC has been there to partner with the people in South Asia and help them get back on their feet.

Haiti Earthquake
In January of 2010, Haiti was hit by a 7.0 earthquake. Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was hardest hit. Already lacking good infrastructure, Haitian cities were especially vulnerable. Over the past 50 years, MCC had been working in various parts of Haiti, providing education, healthcare, and agricultural support to the people and churches there. With these relationships, MCC was able to respond immediately to the needs of the Haitian community. In the initial response, MCC provided food, water, shelter and supplies to thousands of people in Port-au-Prince and in the countryside. MCC has also worked to help rebuild churches and schools that were damaged in the earthquake. All of these things are deep needs in the Haitian community, and MCC will be there for the long haul.

Japanese Earthquake
MCC is currently partnering with the Mennonite World Conference, Church World Service, and the Mennonite Churches in Japan to respond to the recent devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. By providing funds for reconstruction, food, and other relief items, MCC is working through these partners to provide relief for those who have been so badly affected by these terrible events. There is no doubt that this will be a long process of recovery for the people of Japan, and MCC will be there to provide aid and support throughout that recovery process.