Compassion Across Borders and at Home, FFTP Donors Deliver Hope in Crisis
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (July 17, 2025) – Food For The Poor (FFTP) remains firmly focused on its mission to help the most vulnerable throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. But when disaster strikes closer to home, the organization also responds with compassion and care.
Earlier this month, catastrophic flooding devastated parts of Kerrville, Texas, leaving more than 100 people dead and many others missing. FFTP acted quickly, coordinating a shipment of urgently needed relief items to support families affected by the flooding.
The aid shipment, delivered to San Antonio in collaboration with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, included tarps, hygiene kits, women’s care kits, children’s activity kits, diapers, tote bags, and hydration support for more than 250 families.
“We are in close contact with partners on the ground to ensure we respond in the most helpful and strategic way possible,” said FFTP Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Mark Khouri.
FFTP’s response to the Texas flooding reflects its commitment to meet urgent needs both internationally and domestically when possible. While the organization’s core mission remains rooted in helping families in countries where the need is greatest, such as Haiti, Honduras, and Guatemala, it continues to provide aid in the U.S. during times of emergency through trusted partnerships.
This approach is strongly supported by FFTP’s donors. In a recent survey of more than 2,000 supporters, 73 percent said they want their gifts to go wherever the need is greatest, whether in the United States or abroad. The results show that donors appreciate how the organization stays flexible and responds wherever help is needed most.
FFTP is working with radio partners to raise additional funds to support the response in Texas and its broader disaster preparedness initiatives. A national campaign with six syndicated talk show hosts and a second effort through a Nashville music station are underway.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what’s unfolded in Texas,” said FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine. “This is also personal for our team. One of our staff members has deep ties to the Kerrville community, and we are grateful to play a role in helping families through this tragedy.”
Raine emphasized that while international relief and development remain FFTP’s priority, the organization’s ability to respond quickly in times of domestic crisis reflects its flexible, compassionate approach.
Last year, FFTP responded to multiple U.S. disasters, including hurricanes in Florida and Georgia, tornado damage in North Florida, and severe flooding in California. Relief efforts provided food, hygiene items, solar-powered lights, bedding, and other essential supplies — reaching hundreds of people through trusted partners like Catholic Charities, Send Relief, and Off-The-Grid Missions. Aid also extended to underserved communities such as migrant farm workers and the deaf community in Tampa.
“For more than four decades, we’ve worked to alleviate suffering wherever we can,” Raine said. “Whether that’s responding to flooding in Texas or building homes in Honduras, our goal is the same: to deliver hope, healing, and help. We’re incredibly grateful to our donors, partners, and staff who make our response possible.” To support FFTP’s disaster response efforts, visit foodforthepoor.org/emergencyrelief.
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
