Where Most Needed

Habitat for Humanity in the U.S. Faces Mid Life Crisis

Restructuring after the dismissal of founder Millard Fuller has some affiliates longing for a more grassroots approach, but a glance at form 990s and trends in U.S. housing reveals more fundamental perils facing the organization's mission and methods in its home country. 

Kentucky Forces Charity Founders to Fulfill Tsunami Pledge

With One Heart, Inc. founders Kelly Knight and Shelia Bayes agree to personally pay some overhead expenses after the organization claimed that 100% of contributions would directly benefit children. 

Habitat Failing Humanity

Volunteer rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast are falling short.  The Habitat for Humanity volunteer-and-sweat-equity model is proving ill-suited to the massive rebuilding efforts needed. 

Incompetent Charities Frustrate Disaster Response

Director of MSF/Doctors Without Borders in Belgium blasts the opportunistic charity response to major disasters.

Jewish Charity Calls for $300 Million Relief Fund

Huge appeal raises the possibility of war charities crowding other charity fundraising. 

Tsunami Report Calls for Accreditation of Charities

Trouble is, this huge, collaborative effort at evaulation of the tsunami response received scant attention in the US. 

Disaster Responders Strive to Cope with Spontaneous Volunteers

Statewide Florida group tries to educate Washington-area volunteer groups, yet its own mission and web site show that serious shortcomings remain in  volunteer management for major disasters. 

Giving USA Confirms: Disasters Crowded Other Causes in 2005

International donations hardest hit, with an inflation-adjusted loss of 5% after inflation, but arts & culture groups also see decline. 

Aid Groups Redeploy from Aceh to Yogyakarta Earthquake Site

Proximity to Mt. Merapi volcano evacuation assists in rapid reaction. 

Thailand Moves on Huge Tsunami Memorial Despite Qualms

Just as with the 9/11 memorial, the way to a suitable memorial is fraught with controversy.