ReliefWeb

Humanitarian Aid Group Donates Funds for Emergency Relief for over 300 Families and Launches Web Appeal for Additional Emergency Support

Silver Spring, MD - (December 20, 2010) - CHF International (CHF), the U.S.-based international development and humanitarian assistance organization, today announced the first phase of its response to the flooding in Montenegro with the launch of a web appeal to further support relief efforts.

Local authorities report that approximately 20,000 people were evacuated in the Western Balkans after heavy rains and snow melt caused more than $450 million in damage. In Montenegro, over 2,000 people were evacuated from their homes in the critical flood-affected areas, including many in the northern regions. Several rivers burst their banks damaging homes, destroying bridges and closing roads.

The Government of Montenegro has requested assistance from NATO, the U.S. Government and the European Union. In addition to donations from local residents, donations have come from Italy, Turkey and Slovakia in the form of blankets, tents and kitchenware. The Montenegrin Red Cross is coordinating the relief effort, but needs for food staples and materials for housing repairs have not been fully met.

"While flooding in Pakistan has dominated the headlines, flooding in the Balkans - particularly Montenegro - has received less attention, but it is also severe," noted David Blood, Montenegro Chief of Party for CHF International. "We want the people of Montenegro to know that we are doing all we can to support them during this critical time."

CHF International is asking its donors, partners and supporters to support their efforts through an online donation via the CHF International website at www.chfinternational.org. Donations can also be directed via the CHF International Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/CHF-International/23853558594). To date, CHF International has donated $5,000 to the relief efforts, which will provide food parcels for over 300 families. Additional funds derived from the website appeal will support ongoing needs for those affected by the flooding. CHF's organizational capacity, network of local partners and government leaders and reputation among residents will help it to swiftly respond to this developing crisis in collaboration with other relief organizations.

CHF has been operating in Montenegro since 2002. The organization just began implementing the USAID Economic Growth Project in the country under a contract with USAID. The four-year activity seeks to strengthen the tourism and agricultural sectors in the rural northern region of the country.

ABOUT CHF INTERNATIONAL

CHF International is an international development and humanitarian assistance organization, currently working in more than 25 countries around the world. The organization's mission is to be a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low- and moderate-income communities around the world, helping them to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions. CHF International programs are community-led initiatives designed to build a better world. CHF International is listed as a four-star rated charity by Charity Navigator - the highest ranking for nonprofits - for its transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. For more information, visit www.chfinternational.org.