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Latter-day Saints Announce Largest Humanitarian Effort Ever

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 0:17 GMT by The Salt Lake Tribune
      Locales: Utah, Idaho, Arizona, California, UNITED STATES

Salt Lake City, Utah - February 20, 2026 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has unveiled an unprecedented expansion of its global humanitarian efforts, signaling its largest-ever commitment to disaster relief and long-term support for vulnerable populations. The move comes as the world grapples with a confluence of crises - escalating famine in the Horn of Africa, persistent refugee flows stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts, and the lingering devastation caused by recent natural disasters across Southeast Asia - creating a strain on global resources unlike anything seen in recent memory.

Today's announcement represents a significant leap beyond the Church's already robust humanitarian program. Elder James Watkins, Director of the Church's Humanitarian Aid department, detailed the initiative during a press conference earlier today, stating, "The interconnected nature of these global challenges demands a sustained and amplified response. We are witnessing levels of suffering that require not only immediate aid, but a committed, long-term strategy for building resilience within affected communities."

The core of the expanded effort will focus on four key pillars: immediate disaster relief, food security, access to clean water & sanitation, and sustainable economic development. In regions of the Horn of Africa facing widespread famine, the Church will prioritize the distribution of food, clean water, and essential nutritional supplements, working closely with the World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure efficient and equitable delivery. This will include leveraging the Church's established supply chain and logistical capabilities to reach remote and underserved areas.

For displaced populations in the Middle East, the Church is focusing on providing temporary shelter, hygiene kits, and medical supplies, partnering with UNICEF and local NGOs to establish safe havens and support healthcare infrastructure. Recognizing the psychological toll of displacement, the Church is also integrating mental health support services into its relief programs.

Southeast Asia, still recovering from a series of devastating typhoons and floods, will receive assistance focused on rebuilding infrastructure, providing clean water sources, and supporting agricultural recovery. The Church is investing in resilient farming techniques and drought-resistant crops to help communities rebuild their livelihoods and avoid future food shortages.

However, the Church's commitment extends far beyond simply providing immediate aid. A crucial element of this expanded effort is a substantial increase in funding for sustainable solutions. This includes supporting long-term agricultural projects aimed at improving food security, investing in water purification and irrigation systems, and fostering microfinance initiatives to empower local entrepreneurs. The Church is partnering with agricultural universities and development experts to implement best practices and ensure the sustainability of these programs.

"We're not just handing out aid; we're investing in the future," explained Sister Eleanor Vance, a senior program manager within the Humanitarian Aid department. "Our goal is to empower communities to become self-sufficient and resilient to future shocks. This requires a holistic approach that addresses not only immediate needs but also the underlying causes of vulnerability."

While the exact financial commitment remains undisclosed, sources close to the Church indicate it represents a doubling of the annual Humanitarian Aid Fund budget. The fund is supported by voluntary donations from Church members globally, as well as strategic investments. The Church is also actively encouraging member participation through volunteer opportunities, both locally and abroad. Thousands of Church members are expected to contribute their time and skills to support the relief efforts.

The scale of the global humanitarian crisis is unprecedented. According to recent reports from the United Nations, the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance has reached a record high, driven by climate change, conflict, and economic instability. This places an immense strain on aid organizations worldwide, highlighting the need for increased collaboration and innovative solutions. The Church's expanded effort is being lauded by aid organizations as a timely and significant contribution to addressing these challenges. Experts note that the Church's unique organizational structure - with a global network of members and a history of effective disaster response - positions it well to deliver aid efficiently and effectively.

Elder Watkins concluded, "We feel a deep moral obligation to help those in need. This is an expression of our faith and our commitment to serving our fellow human beings. We are confident that, by working together, we can alleviate suffering and bring hope to those who are struggling."