Emergency Response

Provide Comfort for the Soul

Rescue support
U.S. Tzu Chi volunteers quickly mobilized in the hours after the morning of Sept. 11th to provide emergency aid. New York area volunteer doctors, part of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), were on stand-by, ready to assist the injured. Much needed bottles of ice-cold water were brought to rescue workers at ground zero beginning at midnight on Sept. 12th. When the weather turned cold the following evening, Tzu Chi volunteers provided gallons of hot soup.

Emergency relief
At Pier 94's New York City Family Assistance Center, Tzu Chi volunteers provided relief for families beginning Sept. 18th. Affected families are eligible to receive up to $1,000 in emergency cash each. Money is given directly into the hands of the family members by Tzu Chi volunteers. On Sept. 21st, Tzu Chi volunteers also started to help families at the New Jersey Office of Recovery and Victim Center. On Oct. 25th, Tzu Chi set up another relief station at Chinatown Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association.

Personalized care
More important than financial aid, providing personalized care for families through these tough times is what Tzu Chi volunteers do best. A 24-hour hotline was set up in the Main Office in Monrovia, CA to help locate friends and families. Tzu Chi volunteers all over the U.S. took on the tasks of following leads and comforting local families. Tzu Chi volunteers pledge to continue to care for each family whom we have had the privilege to meet.