The Emergency Response Unit (ERU) provides Food for the Hungry (FH) with an emergency response and preparedness capacity around the world.  This is done by supporting and strengthening FH fields through training and responding to disasters, as well as by building partnerships to respond in regions where FH does not have a presence.The unit, though small, has the capacity to expand quickly through a network of experienced consultants and volunteers around the world.

Goal of ERU
ERU strives to respond to emergencies in a way that demonstrates God’s love, treats people with dignity and justice, focuses on the most vulnerable, values relationships, reduces risk of future disasters and lays the foundation for sustainable development.

Why we respond
Disasters intensify physical and spiritual hungers and provide opportunities for FH to respond with the love and compassion of Jesus to those who are suffering.

How we work
FH approaches emergency response in an integrated manner, intervening not only in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but in all areas of the disaster management cycle, including: 

Preparedness:  Building capacity in our field offices to be able to respond quickly and effectively when a disaster occurs in their country in a way that minimizes the impact on their ongoing programming.

Disaster Risk Reduction:  Strengthening our ongoing field programs to proactively integrate activities that reduce the impact of an emergency event on the communities where we work.

Response: When an event occurs that requires emergency assistance, FH responds based on the extent of the needs and the resources available to meet them.

Rehabilitation: Walking with communities during the often lengthy process of rebuilding lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure after a disaster/emergency occurs.