Using Vouchers for Emergency Relief in Guatemala

In May of 2010, torrential rainfall from Tropical Storm Agatha led to devastating landslides in Guatemala’s highland communities and widespread flooding in lowland coastal areas. More than 150 people lost their lives, and thousands were left homeless. In conjunction with the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, Catholic Relief Services and its local partners responded to the disaster by designing and implementing a project with integrated components to benefit more than 2,475 families in 37 of the most affected communities. A core component was the use of vouchers for emergency relief, an initiative that empowers individuals and families and strengthens local businesses.