Emergency Response

We respond rapidly and responsibly to storms, mudslides, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, disease outbreaks, and more.

Project Information

Project Status: Active
Currently Responding: Hurricane Dorian
Start Date: 2010
End Date: Ongoing

Resources

Currently Responding to Hurricane Laura

On the ground before, during, and after

We mobilize our disaster relief volunteers and our network of local and global nonprofits, corporate, church, and logistics partners when disasters strike.

Thousands of communities around the world are affected every day by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and conflicts. This leaves the most vulnerable people in urgent need of help to survive and recover. Historically, those with a background of working in a country alongside local communities are best suited to support relief efforts quickly and efficiently.

Acting fast before, during, and after an emergency and collaborating creatively with diverse partners has meant we can assist the vulnerable when some of the greatest disasters strike.

We also build the capacity of our local staff and volunteers to respond quickly and efficiently and work with impacted communities to help them build back better and become more resilient.

Project Goals

To protect the vulnerable following disasters
To mitigate further or secondary disasters
To provide access to clean water where needed
To help impacted communities build back better

Expected Outcomes

Reduced risk of human trafficking
Reduced likelihood of a second disaster striking due to contaminated water, like a cholera outbreak
Strengthened resiliency in the impacted community

Currently Responding to Hurricane Laura

Make a donation today to support this and our other life-changing efforts!

Donate Today

Cyclones

Cyclone Gita: Islands of Tonga
Cyclone Roanu: Sri Lanka

Disease Outbreaks

Read WHI Ebola Outbreak Response

Earthquakes

Earthquake: Ecuador
Earthquake: Haiti
Earthquake: Nepal
Earthquake: Papua New Guinea

Floods

Flood Relief: Louisiana

Hurricanes

Hurricane Dorian: The Bahamas
Hurricane Florence: North and South Carolina
Hurricane Harvey: Houston, Texas
Hurricane Matthew: Haiti
Hurricane Michael: USA
Hurricanes Irma & Maria: Caribbean, Florida, and Puerto Rico

Humanitarian Disasters

USNS Comfort (Spring 2019)
USNS Comfort (Fall 2018)

Mudslides

Mudslides: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tropical Storms

Tropical Storm Tembin: The Philippines

Tsunamis

Tsunami Palu: Indonesia

Typhoons

Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines
Typhoon Mangkhut: The Philippines
Typhoon Yutu

Volcanos

Mount Mayon Volcano: The Philippines
Volcán de Fuego: Guatemala

Wildfires

California Wildfires: USA

WHI Response Timeline

In 2018, we celebrated our emergency response impact.

Emergencies responded to worldwide

pounds of supplies delivered in Florida after Hurricane Michael

Related Projects

COVID-19

Ebola Response

Emergency Response

Volunteers drop everything and respond to Hurricane Laura

On Friday, August 28th, Kurt Bandy received a phone call from World Hope International (Canada) asking if he could leave that evening for Louisiana to respond to Hurricane Laura’s devastation. He had one hour to make the decision. Knowing on top of the 7 days of service, he had to self-isolate for 14 days coming home, Kurt dropped everything. By 8:00 pm, Kurt departed for his first disaster relief trip…

The Power of Partnerships: Why We Are Better Together

World Hope International has a long history of partnering with other organizations. When it comes to emergency relief work there is a need for organizations to come together in order to make a greater impact.

Celebrating the Passionate Purpose

World Hope’s first-ever Online Gala could not have gone any better. Our community stepped up and we all experienced 37 feel-good minutes of good news.

Making Things New

When other organizations were shutting down and pushing pause on current work, World Hope did not close. We did the opposite. Our doors remained open and our staff pivoted in strategy to find a way to address COVID.

Volunteers Responding to Disaster

I recently interviewed Jimmy Penney about his experience as an emergency response volunteer for World Hope International (Canada). Read about why he has joined Canada's emergency response team! Tanya: Jimmy tell me a bit about yourself? What is a normal day/week for...

Spending of World Hope International (Canada) funds is confined to Board approved projects. Funds designated towards a project are used as designated, with the understanding that when the need for that project has been met or cannot be completed for reasons determined by the Board, the remaining funds designated will be used where needed most.

K. Scott Drury, Esq.

Development Advisor
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Scott Drury is an experienced development and fundraising professional, with more than a decade of experience working with World Hope. At World Hope, Scott advises on fundraising strategy, including major donor relationships, planned giving, and special initiatives. Scott actively supports World Hope’s water and sanitation program. Scott began his career as a lecturer at the Budapest College of Foreign Trade, and he practiced law full-time in the US for ten years, where he specialized in civil litigation, estate planning, contracts, planned giving, and non-profit law. Scott served as regional VP for the Free Methodist Foundation and as Managing Director of Educational Services International. Scott currently holds various leadership roles within the Wesleyan Church, consults with other organizations on fundraising, and maintains a small law practice. Scott has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Wesleyan University and a JD from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Jill Gavin

International Grants and Partnerships Manager
Location: USA/Buffalo, NY

Allieu is a public health expert with more than 20 years of experience in public and community health Jill Gavin develops grant proposals for US and international government and foundation partners—a position she’s held for four years. Jill works with World Hope’s country teams and local partners to design high-impact proposals. Prior to World Hope, Jill was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, where she focused on early childhood development, education, and women’s empowerment. Jill holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York in Albany.

Dr. Elshan Orujov

Deputy Director
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

Dr. Elshan Orujov is the Deputy Director and Financial Manager for World Hope in Azerbaijan—a role he’s held since 2012. Elshan is the author of seven articles and two theses on international financial crises. Previously, Elshan worked as a youth event organizer in Lille, France. He also taught classes at Azerbaijan University on “Administration in Social Work” and “Analysis of Social Policies of Azerbaijan.” Elshan speaks Azerbaijani, English, French, Russian, and Turkish. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in International Relations and a doctorate in World Economics.

David O’Donnell

Deputy Director
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

David O’Donnell is World Hope’s Deputy Director in Azerbaijan. He has been working in Azerbaijan since 2003. During this time, he has taught English as a Second Language and has headed up numerous community development projects, including at orphanages and to prevent human trafficking. David holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in International Relations from Asbury University. He holds a certificate for teaching ESL from Washington State University.

James Winn

Country Director, Azerbaijan
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

James Winn is a former teacher with a passion for community development; this has informed his nearly two decades of work with World Hope in Azerbaijan. At World Hope, James directs programs and strategy within Azerbaijan—a role he’s held since 2006. James moved to Azerbaijan to work for World Hope in 2000, after teaching for two years in the Oklahoma public school system. When James initially moved to Azerbaijan, he oversaw World Hope’s computer training center and community development programs. James holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Joshua Carter

Country Director, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Joshua Carter is an experienced leader and cross-cultural liaison with more than a decade of experience guiding World Hope’s outreach in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At World Hope, Joshua directs programs and strategy within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Joshua originally joined World Hope as a volunteer, when he travelled to Bosnia as part of a college internship in 2005. In 2008, he joined the World Hope staff. Joshua speaks fluent Bosnian and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Joshua holds a bachelor’s degree from Kingswood University. He is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Ruth Thomas

World Hope International Australia, Chief Executive Officer
Location: Australia/Brisbane

Ruth Thomas is an experienced leader whose career demonstrates her commitment to international ministry—a commitment that was inspired by her parents, two of the first Australian Wesleyan Missionaries to follow God’s calling to Papua New Guinea. Ruth was raised in Papua New Guinea and followed her parents example by taking her own family there in the 1990s to serve as missionaries. At World Hope International in Australia (formerly World Hope Australia), Ruth was elected Chief Executive Officer by the Board of Directors in January 2016. Prior to this, Ruth was the Managing Director of World Hope Australia from 2000 to 2012. Ruth also served as a member of the National Board of Administration of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia for eight years. She served eight years as a Director on the Board of Managers for World Relief Australia, including three years as Vice Chair and one year as Chair. In her spare time, Ruth is devoted to her family, including her three grandchildren.

Tanya Renea Nace

Executive Director
Location: Charlottetown, PEI

Tanya Nace is an organizational leader with a background in non-profit recruitment. At World Hope, Tanya was elected Executive Director by the Board of Directors in December 2017. Prior to this, Tanya served as Director of Mobilization for TEAM, where she led the recruitment of 326 long-term missionaries. Tanya brings experience in international communication, strategic thinking, system development, and management. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Kingswood University and is completing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Phil Smart, PhD

Director of Donor Engagement
Location: USA/Grand Rapids, MI

Dr. Phil Smart is an international development expert with more than 35 years of experience as a missionary, pastor, facilitator, and business manager. At World Hope, Phil provides strategy for the engagement of donors with the organization’s mission. Prior to World Hope, Phil worked as an International Business Manager for eight years. He served as a missionary to Brazil for ten years, and more recently, he served as the Global Outreach Pastor for Kentwood Community Church. As a facilitator for the John Maxwell EQUIP Institute, Phil has taught leadership seminars in seven countries. Phil holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University, a master’s degree from Golden Gate Seminary, and a doctorate in Leadership and Global Perspective from George Fox Seminary.

Heather Hill

Director of Communications and Marketing
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Heather Hill is a transformational communications leader with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Heather’s work has been featured in The Washington Post and on Fox5 TV. Notable awards include, 2018 Alumni Appreciation Award and 2019 finalist for the Washington Women in Public Relations Emerging Leader Award.

Heather has served in communications at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Heather is passionate about Human Rights and is currently the presiding Chair of the Human Rights committee on the Board of Directors for the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA). In this role, Heather leads a team of dedicated members in collaborating with State Department and UN officials, the diplomatic community, as well as local NGO’s, think tanks, and agencies to publish articles and reports, host events, and advocate on vital human rights issues.

In her current role at World Hope International, Heather heads the Communications Department, leading the global alliance’s media, marketing, advertising, website, and communications efforts across 20+ countries. Multilingual and multicultural, Heather leverages her lifetime of experience living and working across four continents to skillfully navigate complex, global strategy. Heather holds a master’s degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a bachelor’s from Houghton College, for which she now serves on the Alumni Board.

Daniel Scott

Director of Information Technology
Location:

Bio Coming!

Wayne MacBeth, MBA

Director of Church Engagement
Location: USA/Fort Wayne, IN

Wayne MacBeth is a dynamic leader that connects church communities across the US with World Hope’s mission. Wayne joined World Hope in 2016 to engage churches and individuals with the organization’s strategic impact areas. Prior to World Hope, Wayne served as Vice President for Student Life and Vice President for Enrollment Management at Houghton College. Wayne has also been Director of Development and Area Director for the South Pacific for Global Partners. Wayne was recently elected to serve as General Secretary for the Wesleyan Church. Wayne holds a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College and an MBA from St. Bonaventure University. Wayne is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Katie Kirkpatrick

Community Director
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Katie Kirkpatrick is a community connection specialist with nearly 15 years of experience in the field of international development. At World Hope, Katie directs efforts to connect churches and individuals with the needs of their neighbors through our Village Partnership and Child Sponsorship initiatives. Katie served as a student intern with World Hope in 2004. Recently, Katie served with Global Partners in the Caribe Atlantic Region, primarily focusing on Haiti, from 2013-2017. In addition, Katie worked in HIV/AIDS prevention, supported refugee and homelessness ministries in Australia, and began a missions’ arm of a non-denominational church in South Louisiana. Katie was an AmeriCorps HealthCorps member. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from Southern Wesleyan University.

George Beals, PhD

Director of Strategic Development
Location: USA/Holland, MI

Dr. George Beals is a development professional with more than 30 years of international experience. At World Hope, George engages both churches and individual donors with World Hope’s impact areas. He also oversees the organization’s work in Europe and Central Asia. Prior to World Hope, George was the Pastor of Global Ministries for his local church. George holds a doctorate in Intercultural Studies with concentrations in International Relief and Development and Business-As-Mission.

Talmage Payne

Country Director, Cambodia & the Philippines
Location: Cambodia/Phnom Penh

Talmage Payne is a humanitarian entrepreneur and respected leader with more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit and for-profit social impact sectors. Talmage has worked to implement strategic vision within several international NGOs, and he has founded a number of social impact ventures. At World Hope, Talmage directs programs and strategy within Cambodia and the Philippines. Prior to World Hope, Talmage was global CEO of Hagar International, where he helped establish operations in nine countries using an integrated non-profit and for-profit model. Prior to Hagar, Talmage served with World Vision for 15 years, including as Country Director in Cambodia. The Royal Cambodian Government has recognized Talmage’s humanitarian work, including through the People’s Medal and the Royal Order of Sahmetri. Talmage holds a bachelor’s degree in Economic Development from Wheaton College.

Faradhia Moise

Country Director, Haiti
Location: Haiti/Port-au-Prince

Faradhia Moise is a native Haitian and accomplished non-profit program director with more than ten years of experience in leadership roles within international NGOs. At World Hope, Faradhia directs programs and strategy within Haiti. Throughout her career, Faradhia has focused much of her energy on programs that protect children. Prior to World Hope, Faradhia held leadership roles at World Vision Haiti, Save the Children, Plan Haiti, Oxfam GB, and several other international organizations. Farahdia holds a bachelor’s degree in Law from Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Faradhia also holds an MBA in Management and Leadership from the University of Monterrey in Mexico.

Wellington Kollie

Country Director, Liberia
Location: Liberia/Monrovia

Wellington Kollie is a native-born Liberian and non-profit management professional with more than 30 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. At World Hope, Wellington directs programs and strategy within Liberia. Prior to this, Wellington was World Hope’s Program Manager in Liberia for five years. Wellington has also held various technical and administrative positions, including line, middle, and top level, in government, private, and non-profit organizations throughout Liberia. Wellington draws on his experience in accounting, finance, media, and management for his position with World Hope. Wellington holds a bachelor’s degree in Management with an emphasis on Human Resources and a minor in Accounting.

Saidu Kanu, MA

Country Director, Sierra Leone
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Saidu Kanu is a native Sierra Leonean and rural development strategist with nearly two decades of experience meeting the changing needs of Sierra Leone. At World Hope, Saidu directs programs and strategy within Sierra Leone—a role he’s held for more than 14 years. Saidu has overseen efforts to drill clean water wells, empower parents to fight human trafficking, create a Trafficking in Persons Recovery Center, launch Village Partnerships, and connect rural farmers with an international supply chain. Prior to World Hope, Saidu worked in several leadership positions within the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone. Alongside his current position, Saidu serves as the Director of Projects for the Rotary Club of Freetown. Saidu hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Fourah Bay College at the University of Sierra Leone in Freetown.

Sergiy Svystun

Country Director, Ukraine
Location: Ukraine/Odessa

Sergiy Svystun is an experienced manager and compassionate leader with more than 16 years of experience in the non-profit field. At World Hope, Sergiy directs programs and strategy within Ukraine. Prior to World Hope, Sergiy founded the House House program for orphaned girls in Ukraine, as well as the First Step drop-in center. Sergiy is passionate about creating a caring community for orphaned Ukranian children. Sergiy holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Odessa Theological Seminary.

Keith Norris, MA

Director of Water and Sanitation Program
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Keith Norris is a water and sanitation strategist with extensive experience in construction and rural development. Keith joined World Hope in 2004 as the Water and Sanitation Program Director. Prior to this, Keith managed a construction business, and he also taught at the Wesleyan School of Theology in Indonesia. While in Indonesia, he founded a local NGO that focused on economic development and childhood education; this organization later became the implementing arm of World Hope in Indonesia. Keith holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College, a master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Kentucky, and a master’s degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Keith is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Dr. Emelita Goddard

Director of Community Development and Agriculture
Location: Cambodia/Phnom Penh

Dr. Emelita Goddard is a community development strategist with more than 20 years of experience in design, management, monitoring, and evaluation of integrated community development programs for vulnerable communities and key affected populations in the Asia-Pacific Region. Throughout her career, Milet has maintained a special focus on at-risk women and children and survivors of gender-based violence. At World Hope, Milet is the organization’s lead strategist and program designer, responsible for setting and implementing the vision for programs to serve vulnerable communities throughout World Hope’s target countries. Prior to World Hope, Milet served as a consultant to USAID and France Expertise Internationale for the Global Fund’s Governing Body in Cambodia, World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, TEAR Australia, World Vision, and several other global development agencies. Milet holds a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in Technical Science in Aquaculture, which she received from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand through scholarship grants from the British and Australian governments.

Haley Clark, MA

Director of Anti-Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence Program
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Haley Clark is a psychotherapist who specializes in trauma treatment. At World Hope, Haley directs the organization’s Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Gender-Based Violence Program strategy and activities. Haley originally joined World Hope in 2013 as the Clinical Supervisor for World Hope’s Trafficking in Persons Recovery Centre in Sierra Leone. Prior to this, she worked with children impacted by trauma and abuse in Seattle, Washington. Haley completed her clinical internship in northern Uganda, where she worked with former child soldiers. In Uganda, Haley co-founded an NGO that provides educational support to high school students. Haley holds a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

Allieu Samuel Bangura

Director of Health and Nutrition Program
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Allieu is a public health expert with more than 20 years of experience in public and community health solutions. At World Hope, Allieu directs the organization’s Health and Nutrition Program strategy and activities. Prior to World Hope, Allieu was Health, Nutrition and WASH Advisor with World Vision in Sierra Leone for seven years. Prior to this, Allieu worked as a senior manager for International Rescue Committee and Concern Worldwide. Allieu also worked as a Pediatric Clinician and as a Clinical Officer for the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone. Allieu holds a degree from the Paramedical School of the University of Njala; a post-graduate certificate in Tropical Community Medicine and Health and a degree in Community Medicine and Health from the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences in Sierra Leone; and a certificate in Public Health from Staffordshire University in the UK. Allieu is an MBA candidate with Robert Kennedy College for a graduate degree in Healthcare Management.

Marilyn Otis

Chief Financial Officer
Location: Moncton, NB

Bio coming soon

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Emergency Response

We respond rapidly and responsibly to storms, mudslides, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, disease outbreaks, and more.

Project Information

Resources

Currently Responding to Hurricane Laura

On the ground before, during, and after

Project Goals

Expected Outcomes

Cyclones

Earthquakes

Floods

Hurricanes

Humanitarian Disasters

Mudslides

Tropical Storms

Tsunamis

Typhoons

Volcanos

Wildfires

In 2018, we celebrated our emergency response impact.

Emergencies responded to worldwide

pounds of supplies delivered in Florida after Hurricane Michael

Related Projects

AN ORGANIZATION YOU CAN TRUST.

K. Scott Drury, Esq.

Jill Gavin

Dr. Elshan Orujov

David O’Donnell

James Winn

Joshua Carter

Ruth Thomas

Tanya Renea Nace

Phil Smart, PhD

Heather Hill

Daniel Scott

Wayne MacBeth, MBA

Katie Kirkpatrick

George Beals, PhD

Talmage Payne

Faradhia Moise

Wellington Kollie

Saidu Kanu, MA

Sergiy Svystun

Keith Norris, MA

Dr. Emelita Goddard

Haley Clark, MA

Allieu Samuel Bangura

Marilyn Otis

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