Directions to BBF
Sign up for BBF's mailings
and e-mail newsletter
View BBF's Privacy Policy

Staying true to the Brother's Brother Foundation's mission of connecting people's resources to people's needs, the Humanitarian Program's goal is to provide ongoing donations of food, clothing, seeds, agricultural resources, building supplies and other goods to the people and places that need them most.

Guatemala

The need for humanitarian assistance can be caused by natural as well as man-made forces. Earthquakes, hurricanes, cyclones, flooding and extreme weather conditions are among the many phenomenon causing widespread famine, hunger and disease in many parts of the world. We provided immediate disaster response to Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras following Hurricane Mitch in 1998. We were also present in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India following the South Asian tsunami in 2004 and 2005. BBF also provided assistance when earthquakes and flooding devastated El Salvador, Turkey, India, Pakistan and Peru during the past decade.

Man's inhumanity to man contributes to the same problems through wars, social or political unrest, economic upheaval and mismanagement of natural resources. BBF has for 50 years provided steady aid in many parts of the world suffering from the effects of war, crop failure, and social and economic unrest. In the last decade, countries receiving assistance from BBF include Armenia, Sierra Leone, Russia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.

BBF has also worked with local organizations and stakeholders to rebuild schools, rehabilitate persons disabled by natural disaster, renovate and rebuild homes and revitalize communities.

Natural Disaster Response

After an earthquake devastated Peru in 1970, BBF delivered thousands of doses of vaccines and $40,000 worth of building and cooking materials. Since that time, BBF has developed a systematic approach of responding to natural disasters worldwide. Through the Humanitarian Program, BBF has helped communities around the world recover and rebuild from nature's wrath. In times of natural disasters, BBF responds swiftly often being one of the first organizations present at the scene.

2004 South Asian Tsunami

After the South Asian tsunami of 2004, BBF funded the shipment of more than 230 containers of more than eight million pounds of medical and humanitarian supplies to the ravaged region. BBF also provided major funding for the construction of a brand new primary education facility in Sri Lanka.

New school in Sri Lanka

Mobil clinic in India

BBF also funded the much-needed renovation and operational expenses of two mobile health clinics serving tsunami-affected areas of India . The mobile clinics provided mobility assistance devices (crutches, wheelchairs and tricycles) as well as prosthetic and orthopedic support to more than 13,000 people disabled by the tsunami.

2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Mississippi, USA

In 2005, BBF's quick actions were vital in helping those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita here in the United States. BBF funded the shipment of more than 100 containers of medical and relief supplies. Collaborating with other organizations working on the ground throughout the Gulf Coast region, BBF funded the renovation of numerous homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. BBF also donated educational supplies such as books, desks and teachers' resources as well as athletic equipment to schools across Southwest Louisiana. BBF also supported volunteer groups from Western Pennsylvania who traveled to the Gulf Coast to assist in recovery efforts.

2005 Earthquake in Pakistan

On October 8, 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake destroyed the Kashmir region of Pakistan leaving thousands dead and millions homeless. BBF responded to this disaster by sending over $5 million worth of requested aid. BBF worked with Life for Relief and Development, Operation USA and Islamic Relief to send two air shipments of pharmaceutical and medical supplies. BBF's response to this utter devastation was recognized by the President of Pakistan when he presented the Sitara-e-Eisaar (Star of Sacrifice) medal to BBF President, Luke Hingson , who accepted the award on behalf of BBF. The work of other aid groups was also noted. Among these groups were the American Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps and Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders and Care USA.

BBF President Luke L. Hingson

2007 Earthquake in Peru

Peru

When a powerful 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit the central coast of Peru on Aug. 15, 2007, hundreds were killed and thousands were left homeless. Immediately, BBF mobilized relief aid and sent a shipment worth over $6 million of requested pharmaceutical and medical supplies. A shipment of Crocs shoes valuing at more than $120,000 was also sent. BBF worked with B'nai B'rith International and the Peruvian American Medical Society to help the earthquake victims.

As BBF responds to natural disasters occurring around the globe, we continue to rely on the generosity of our donors to support our work. If you are interested in donating humanitarian supplies, please read our
Humanitarian Donation Policy.

If you would prefer to support our humanitarian program with a monetary donation, please click here.

BBF, a 54-year old Pittsburgh-based international charity, has provided over $4 billion of medical supplies, textbooks, food, seeds, and other humanitarian supplies to people around the world in over 140 countries. With the help of gifts from the general public, corporations and the US government, in the first six months of 2011 BBF sent product contributions to those in need in 54 countries. In the same period of 2011, BBF furnished supplies for 142 medical and humanitarian hand-carry mission trips.

Forbes Magazine, the national business periodical, ranked Brother's Brother Foundation tied for first as the most efficient charities in its online ranking of the 200 largest U.S. charities. This list rates charities on how efficiently they collect and distribute donations.
Brother's Brother Foundation received 100 % or higher rating in charitable commitment, donor dependency and fundraising efficiency.

Donations to assist with shipping costs are greatly appreciated. Credit card donations can be made by calling Brother's Brother Foundation at 412-321-3160. Checks should be made out to Brother's Brother Foundation and sent to:
Brother's Brother Foundation
1200 Galveston Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

For additional information, please contact:
Karen Dempsey, Vice President Development/Administration @ 412-237-2324 or email: kdempsey@brothersbrother.org

Luke Hingson, President @ 412-237-2320 or email: lhingson@brothersbrother.org