Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States as War Relief Services to assist refugees and survivors of World War II, the organisation has since grown into a global operation active in more than 100 countries across eight decades of humanitarian and development work.
CRS delivers both emergency assistance and long-term development support, working across a broad range of sectors:
- Emergency relief – rapid response to major humanitarian crises
- Health – disease control and public health programmes
- Agriculture – support for food security and rural livelihoods
- Education – learning initiatives integrated into development programming
- Microfinance – financial services aimed at reducing poverty
- Peacebuilding – reconciliation efforts and community stabilisation in conflict-affected areas
The organisation is motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a commitment to the dignity of every person. It serves people regardless of race, religion, or nationality, working alongside local communities, partners, and supporters to create lasting change. Its programming is guided by a community-based development approach that places vulnerable populations at the centre of its work.