LDS Humanitarian Services is a branch of the Welfare Services department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The organization’s stated mission is to relieve suffering, to foster self-reliance for families of all nationalities and religions, and to provide opportunities for service. The LDS or Mormon Church, considers humanitarian work to be an essential part of its mission to bless all humanity in emulation of Jesus Christ “who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed” (Acts10:38).

Throughout its history, the LDS Church has always provided for those in need and is perhaps best known for its efforts to take care of its own. In 1842, founder and Prophet to the LDS Church, Joseph Smith, organized the Women’s Relief Society, an essential aim of which was to provide “relief” to suffering members and ultimately to all people. During the Great Depression the LDS Church organized a welfare program, known today as Welfare Services, to help provide for the needs of its members.

As the program has grown, the welfare efforts of the LDS Church have expanded to help people around the world regardless of religion, race, or nationality. LDS Humanitarian Services was created to coordinate these efforts in partnership with government and other nonprofit agencies around the world. The top humanitarian initiatives include clean water, vision treatment, wheelchair provision, neonatal resuscitation, and disaster relief.

Other initiatives include immunizations, family enrichment programs, and family food production. In 2008, LDS Humanitarian Services provided aid to 3.3 million people in 122 countries, and since 1985 help has been given to 23 million people in 163 nations. All of these initiatives, as well as support and advice on personal and community preparation for disasters can be found on the LDS Church’s Provident Living website.

All of the funding for LDS Humanitarian Services comes from the philanthropic support of the LDS Church’s members and other donors. Donations to the Humanitarian Fund are collected through local bishops and through LDS Philanthropies.

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