Frequently Asked Questions

What is AmeriCares?
AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs-and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs- for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. Since its inception in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered more than $7 billion worth of medical relief supplies to 135 countries.   

To what types of needs does AmeriCares respond?
AmeriCares responds to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, tornadoes and famine. The organization also responds to human suffering arising from political strife in nations such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Liberia. The work of AmeriCares knows no limits. Disaster relief amounts to only 30 percent of AmeriCares activity. The balance of our work encompasses sustained shipments of essential drugs, medicines and medical supplies to ongoing health care programs worldwide.     
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From where do our relief supplies come?
AmeriCares receives donations of medicines, medical supplies and other relief materials from some of the nation's most highly respected pharmaceutical companies as well as other corporations. Two warehouses, one each in the U.S. and Europe, store materials and make them available for immediate shipment. The warehouses are constantly being restocked with products that are continually shipped by sea and by air around the world.      
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When a disaster strikes, AmeriCares relief experts assemble a needs list from the affected area. That list is matched against the warehouse inventory and if further provisions are needed, staff members contact corporate donors for the additional supplies. Over the years, more than 1,000 corporate donors have partnered with AmeriCares to provide life-saving aid in the form of medicines, vitamins, surgical and hospital equipment, blankets, milk products, food, disaster relief supplies, water purifiers, tents, vaccines and diapers.   
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How much of my financial donation goes directly to those in need?  
AmeriCares maintains an extremely low overhead, consistently making the organization one of the most efficient charities in the nonprofit sector. At AmeriCares, donor dollars go to save lives, not support administrative bureaucracies. For the past five years, in recognition of its efficiency, AmeriCares has been awarded the highest four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation's premier independent charity evaluator.   
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How does AmeriCares maintain such a low overhead?
We pride ourselves on operating like a small business, and maintaining a highly streamlined and close-knit team of staff and volunteers who develop and implement the programs. This low overhead, combined with in-kind and cash donations, allows every donated dollar to be leveraged several fold. Through efficient and expeditious distribution of donations, AmeriCares is able to achieve remarkable results.   
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How are financial contributions used?
AmeriCares relies on financial contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to transport relief supplies to people in need. Because transportation represents a large share of AmeriCares costs, our transportation department first solicits donations from airlines and ocean shipping companies and then works to obtain the most cost-efficient cargo rate available. All the relief supplies in the world would be useless if they could not be effectively delivered to those in need. Through our businesslike approach to the distribution of donations, AmeriCares has earned the reputation as a "founder of entrepreneurial philanthropy."   
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How do we ensure that the supplies reach those in need?
AmeriCares places a huge premium on accurately monitoring the distribution of all of our shipments. We have the know-how and expertise to respond responsibly and efficiently to all disasters. Strong relationships are maintained with highly capable and qualified people and organizations in countries around the world that provide accurate information and effective logistical support. There is continual contact with indigenous health care providers in many countries to ensure that the relief supplies are used responsibly. Over the years, invaluable experience has been gained in moving large quantities of medicine safely to areas where transportation is poor and the political situation unstable. Our world-renowned reputation for accountability has long since earned the confidence of the pharmaceutical and medical supply industries, in addition to our many financial supporters.    
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Does AmeriCares have any long-term health care programs?
Last year the majority of AmeriCares' activities supported permanent, ongoing health care programs in more than 50 countries worldwide. Regular shipments of medicines and medical supplies are delivered via air or ocean freight to support local humanitarian organizations.     
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What does AmeriCares do domestically?
AmeriCares responds to the needs of those suffering from adversity not just overseas, but in the U.S. as well. Our key domestic programs include: Camp AmeriKids, AmeriCares Free Clinics, Inc. and AmeriCares HomeFront.   
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What is Camp AmeriKids?
Camp AmeriKids was created in 1995. The mission of Camp AmeriKids is to enhance the lives of children affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS in a traditional camp experience, complemented by off-season programs. The camp is offered at no cost to the families and recruits campers from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The goals of the program are to provide respite to the children and their families, while providing the campers with the opportunity to socialize in a learning environment while exploring new interests. This will allow for the development of new life skills, and enhance the self-esteem of children and adolescents. Doctors and nurses are on staff 24 hours a day throughout the entire session.   
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What are AmeriCares Free Clinics?
AmeriCares Free Clinics opened its first clinic in November of 1994 to serve the medical needs of the working poor. Its mission is to provide free, quality health care to Connecticut's uninsured population while protecting each patient's sense of dignity and self-respect. Currently, there are clinics operating in Norwalk, Bridgeport and the greater Danbury area. AFC recruits volunteer physicians and registered nurses and draws on the resources of community hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies to ensure access to outpatient health care. Each clinic is designed to complement existing services and is tailored to meet specific needs identified in the community.   
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What is AmeriCares HomeFront?
AmeriCares HomeFront is the largest domestic outreach program undertaken by the AmeriCares Foundation each year. Its goal is to help deserving homeowners remain safely and comfortably in a hazard-free home. The program is dedicated to "raising spirits and restoring hope" through an annual, volunteer-driven, free day of essential home repairs. Hands-on volunteer assistance is supported by the generosity of dozens of product and professional service donors. The program primarily benefits senior citizens living on a fixed income, people with mental or physical challenges, those facing chronic or life-threatening illnesses, and single parents.   
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Can I make a donation directly through your website?
Yes! The best way to help disaster victims is through a financial donation to AmeriCares. Your contributions are tax deductible. Please click here to make an on-line contribution. If you prefer, please contact AmeriCares at
1-800-486-HELP (4357), or send your donation to:

AmeriCares
88 Hamilton Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902

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