Disaster response

In times of crisis, disasters upend lives in an instant—homes are swept away, livelihoods collapse, and communities are left reeling. At Charis Foundation, we respond swiftly and compassionately to such emergencies, delivering essential relief, restoring hope, and building resilience. We deploy emergency teams to affected locations to provide clean water, food, shelter, medical aid and hygiene kits. After the initial response, we stay on to assist recovery: supporting the rebuilding of homes, restoring essential services, helping survivors regain livelihoods, and equipping communities with preparedness tools so they’re better able to face future shocks.

By combining rapid relief with long-term rehabilitation, we aim not simply to help people survive a disaster—but to reclaim dignity, restore stability, and rebuild stronger communities for tomorrow.

During the 2004 tsunami and consequent flooding that affected tens of thousands of families in coastal Tamil Nadu, Charis Foundation helped several communities with tents, temporary housing and daily amenities.

In times of calamity, vulnerable communities may be unable to afford or find food to sustain themselves. Charis Foundation ensures these families always have a hot meal by setting up temporary kitchens.

Underprivileged families who rely on daily labour for their livelihood are vulnerable to losing out on their source of daily income in times of crisis. Charis Foundation ensures these families are taken care of during disasters.

Charis Foundation partners with local governments, police authorities and other NGOs to ensure communities are re-built in the aftermath of a disaster.

Read here about how Charis fostered dozens of children of fisherfolk families in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.