CARE USA
CARE USA is one of 20 CARE International’s Members and Affiliates. It helps fight global poverty by raising money, speaking up for change, sharing information, and providing technical support.
CARE International’s history in the United States
When World War II ended, violence ceased, but people’s needs continued. Millions across the world, especially in Europe, had lost their homes and livelihoods, and didn’t have enough to eat.
CARE USA was founded to help reduce this immense suffering. In 1945, 22 U.S. charities joined together to send food and supplies to families in Europe. This effort created the first CARE Package® in 1946 – a box carrying life-saving aid to millions of people.
As Europe recovered, CARE expanded to address poverty and humanitarian needs around the world. We saw the impact of our work with European communities and wanted to bring this collaboration to more people in need of support.
In 1993, CARE USA moved its headquarters from New York to Atlanta. This marked a new chapter in its work as a global humanitarian and development organization.
CARE USA’s work today
Today, CARE USA helps carry out CARE International’s mission to fight poverty and inequalities across the world alongside partners and communities.
It runs development programs, responds to emergencies, and advocates for change. It supports work in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Key areas of focus include:
- Economic opportunity
- Food and nutrition
- Health
- Adaptation to climate change impacts
- Humanitarian aid
Work in the USA
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, CARE USA has worked within the United States, supporting women and families from low-income communities.
It partners with organizations rooted in communities to provide disaster response, deliver healthcare, and help increase economic opportunities. This work includes helping communities when hurricanes, storms, or other crises hit the country.
Promoting wide policy changes is also a key part of CARE USA’s work in the US. It mobilizes advocates through the CARE Action Network to promote global policy and action at a state and national level.
Focus on women and girls
CARE USA puts women and girls at the center of its work. It supports women’s leadership, economic opportunity, education, health, and safety. Empowering women and girls is key to ending poverty for good.
