Humanitarian Assistance for Displaced Georgians

After political tensions over the disputed region of South Ossetia erupted into armed conflict in August 2008, more than 120,000 people fled their homes to seek refuge, primarily in the capital of Tbilisi. Counterpart International's (Counterpart) Community and Humanitarian Assistance Program (CHAP) team in Georgia, based in Tbilisi, was able to use previously shipped disaster response resources within the country to distribute urgently needed supplies. Then Counterpart expanded its response through an emergency grant from the US Agency for International Development.

Within one week following the disaster declaration by the US Ambassador, CHAP assisted in the coordination and distribution of American humanitarian assistance. US Air Force cargo planes delivered blankets, basic medical supplies, food, sleeping bags and field beds. Counterpart continued to assist displaced families well into September by providing mattresses – donated to the Georgian Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation – to more than 2,400 people.

To date, Counterpart has helped distribute several million dollars in emergency aid to 30,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) around the capital and renovated thirteen collective centers (temporary housing for IDP families, where many reside until they can return home).

Please read more about Counterpart's Humanitarian Assistance in Georgia.

Photo: © Counterpart International.