Last year, Concern reached 39 million people living below the poverty line of less than $2 a day. Over the last five decades, we have saved countless lives while working with the communities we serve to create opportunities for better standards of living that allow them to break the cycle of poverty — for good.

Both data and experience have shown us that, by working with those living in the greatest states of poverty, everyone across the economic spectrum benefits. We seek out the most vulnerable and overlooked communities, and work with them to respond rapidly and intentionally to the causes of poverty and emergencies both natural and man-made. Our standard-setting health and nutrition programs ensure that children are set up for a lifetime of health and success. And our livelihoods programs aren’t just about establishing jobs: We work with families to establish economic independence and we work with communities to create financial safety nets that last long after our work is done. 

We work with community leaders to challenge harmful norms and stereotypes that leave certain groups marginalized, establishing a level of equity (especially along gender lines) that allows for everyone to live a successful and dignified life. We focus much of our work on women for this reason, as well as children — ensuring that the next generation is not destined to inherit intergenerational poverty. 

We look for creative solutions to poverty to ensure that communities maintain access to fundamental human rights, such as clean water and quality education, in communities hit hard by conflict, natural disasters, climate change, extreme hunger, and famine. When an emergency strikes, we’re among the first on the ground, mobilizing expert teams in just 24 hours. At a policy-making level, we advocate for the people we serve and the issues they face on a national and global level. 

Our mission doesn’t end until extreme poverty does.