From monster storms to civil wars and droughts, here are six of the worst disasters in 2019 that have affected millions of people around the world.
News & Stories
From the Field
Gift Catalog alpacas improve income, health in Ecuador
Located nearly 12,500 feet above sea level, families in the Guarguallá Grande community collectively care for 45 alpacas provided through the World Vision Gift Catalog. In total, 266 families in three mountainous communities raise 420 alpacas for their milk and wool, which they use and make products to sell. In 2018, the communities harvested 413 pounds of wool from the alpacas gifted through the Gift Catalog.
From the Field
West Virginia mother finds hope, faith after homelessness
Barbara and Allen Sisson started Living Water Ministries in 2015 to serve members of their community in West Virginia. Many residents like Joanna cannot afford enough food to feed their families. Living Water Ministries stands in the gap, providing food, cleaning supplies, diapers, heaters, furniture, and other household necessities. World Vision supplies most of what the ministry provides to families living in poverty.
From the Field
Stories of impact in the United States
About 4 million people in the U.S. benefited from that work and the generosity of thousands of donors, companies, churches, and other partner organizations in 2018. That includes more than 2.2 million children who benefited from school supplies, family food kits, hygiene supplies, after-school programs, and emergency relief supplies.
From the Field
Widow discovers child-focused purpose in wake of loss
Kim still grieves her husband’s death, but has found purpose in loss, thanks to strong faith, a loving church community, and some generous donors. World Vision and her church provided her with a sectional sofa, two living room chairs, various food supplies, and a dining room table with matching chairs.
From the Field
Venezuelan girl excels in school after toiling on Colombian streets
Jheyde, 13, is among more than 1 million Venezuelans in Colombia who left because of hunger and poverty. She finally found stability and success in school.
From the Field
West Virginia school helps students get back on track
At any given time, Academy Programs houses, feeds, counsels, coaches, and educates about 70 of the toughest, least motivated middle- and high-school students from around the state. Of the 185 students who came through the program in 2018, the average grade-point average was a 1.38 when they entered the school. When they transitioned out, they carried a collective GPA of 3.0, says Principal Matt Kittle. Most incoming students — 84% of them — tested below their grade level in reading, as did 83% of students in math. While here, almost 4 out of 5 students increase their math and reading scores one grade level or more. World Vision helps provide resources for the staff so they can better help kids succeed.
From the Field
Boy’s family goes hungry in Colombia so he can pursue dream
Venezuela is in crisis. The economy has collapsed, and an uprising of political opposition to President Nicolas Maduro has put the country’s leadership in question. Armando is one of more than 4 million Venezuelans — 5,000 per day in 2018 — who have left the country seeking food, work, and a better life.
From the Field
Adoption a symbol of redemption in Appalachia
In West Virginia, Lucy Kirby cares for eight children. Hers is a beautiful story of adoption, and World Vision was there to help in her time of need.
From the Field
How’d they do that: Clean water in emergencies
When disaster strikes around the world, access to clean water is critical for survival. Here are three ways emergency responders bring life-saving clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to people affected by disasters.