National Emergency Support & Relief

SAMU First Response Relief and Support is a vital program, actively addressing the escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Our mission is to provide swift, effective emergency responses across the United States, establishing us as a beacon of hope and practical assistance in times of crisis.

Dedicated to delivering comprehensive assistance swiftly, SAMU emphasizes compassion and rapid response. We offer essential services including shelter, protection, donation centers, food distribution, and support for immediate needs, ensuring that no individual is left behind. Additionally, we prioritize preparedness, response, and recovery, empowering communities through targeted educational initiatives and infrastructure enhancements to better withstand future challenges.

Our rapid deployment capabilities and efficient resource utilization are crucial in meeting the urgent needs of affected communities, preventing further loss of life and laying the groundwork for recovery. Our ability to mobilize quickly and provide comprehensive support underscores our critical role in the disaster response landscape. Furthermore, SAMU is dedicated to enhancing community resilience and preparedness for future adversities. Through initiatives such as educational programs, infrastructure improvements, and resilience training, we not only facilitate a swift recovery from current disasters but also equip communities for future challenges. Our proactive approach fills essential gaps in existing relief efforts and fosters a culture of preparedness and mutual support.

SAMU First Response Relief and Support embodies a spirit of compassion, professionalism, and solidarity, making it an indispensable asset in today’s unpredictable environment. As we expand our operations nationally, we invite partners, donors, and volunteers to join us. Together, we can profoundly impact the lives of those affected by natural disasters and crises, reinforcing the strength and compassion that drive our mission. With each deployment, we are reminded of the powerful influence of collective action and the lasting impact of kindness.

Learn more about our national missions:

Since January 6th , 2025, Los Angeles County has faced a critical emergency due to the onset of two major wildfires: the Palisades Fire, located to the west of the city of Los Angeles, and the Eaton Fire, which developed in the Altadena area to the north of Los Angeles. These events have resulted in widespread evacuations, significant damage, and a considerable mobilization of emergency resources.

According to the Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), there was expected to present extreme fire danger in Southern California. These conditions have posed a significant challenge for emergency responders, working around the clock to mitigate the impact of the crisis. As local authorities continue to monitor the progression of the fires, the incident underscores the urgent need for more robust preventive strategies and a coordinated, effective response to protect the affected communities and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.

SFR connected with the LA local NGO   SideWalk, a women-led organization focused on providing support to homeless populations, drug users, sex workers… offering medical care, housing linkage, wound care, job placement and creative mental health resources.

The intervention zone has been focused primarily on the area called Skid Row, one of the most iconic and controversial areas of Los Angeles, known to be an epicenter of the homelessness crisis in the United States, with thousands of people living on the streets, in temporary shelters, or in precarious conditions. In the area there are high rates of drug addiction, mental health problems, violence, and deplorable sanitary conditions. However, there are also community efforts to improve the situation which offer food, shelter, and rehabilitation programs. The wildfires in LA have intensified this particular situation in social problems, directly impacting the teams of the NGO´s organization assisting its citizens and, exacerbating the vulnerability of the affected communities adding considerable pressure on local organizations and available resources, significantly doubling the workload, forcing them to coordinate efforts to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable population.

SAMU First Response has sent three volunteers, two specialists in social intervention and another logistical support technician with the objective of supporting The Sidewalk Project in the context of the fires that have devastated the area.

The functions of the team will be to provide social intervention support to women and children in vulnerable situations, along with support in the logistical function, whether in the distribution of food, in the coordination of volunteers or in the development of a network of shelters contacts and job opportunities for people under the protection of SideWalk accomplishing as follows so far:

– Support for Vulnerable Communities: The team provided direct assistance to homeless individuals in areas such as MacArthur Park and Skid Row, where the need for social and logistical support is particularly critical.

– Distribution of Food and Resources: The team successfully distributed hundreds of hot meals, ensuring that homeless individuals had access to basic necessities at crucial times.

– Essential Donations: The team have facilitated the delivery of mattresses, adult and children’s diapers, hygiene kits for women (including sanitary towels), clothing, and other essential resources, positively impacting the quality of life for those served.

–  Arts and Recreation Activities: Creative activities such as art and painting workshops for children were organized, fostering self-expression, providing moments of joy, and promoting a positive environment amidst adversity.

– Personalized Social Intervention: With a human-centered approach, volunteers engaged in social intervention activities that helped connect women, children, and older adults in vulnerable situations with appropriate resources and support, strengthening trust and well-being in these communities.

– Effective Volunteer Coordination: The SAMU team coordinated efforts between volunteers and The Sidewalk Project, maximizing task efficiency and fostering a collaborative atmosphere in each activity.

– Impact on Skid Row: In one of Los Angeles’ most challenging areas, the team worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma surrounding homelessness, offering practical and emotional support that made a significant difference. To date, they have saved two lives of individuals who had overdosed on drugs.

– Fostering Human Connection: Through the provision of resources, recreational activities, and time spent with homeless individuals, volunteers promoted genuine, compassionate connections, helping to restore dignity and hope in the communities served.

Thanks to your support we continue our mission assisting with the needs of the most vulnerable population affected by the fires in LA.

 

In 2024, the Texas Panhandle faced devastating wildfires, propelled by severe drought and high winds, which affected approximately 50,000 people across communities including Amarillo and its rural neighbors. These fires consumed about 300,000 acres, destroying homes, farms, and natural areas, leading to widespread evacuations and significant disruption.

In response, a dedicated SAMU First Response team from Washington, D.C., and Maryland, stepped in to assist with heartfelt commitment and robust support. Here are some of the ways SAMU made a difference:

Heartfelt Supply Distribution: In a warm partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK), SAMU provided nourishing meals to displaced families staying in hotels, as well as to the brave firefighters and first responders on the front lines. Together with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), we also managed the distribution of essential supplies, bringing much-needed relief to those impacted by the fires.

Empathetic Bilingual Communication: Our bilingual team played a crucial role in communicating effectively with the diverse affected communities. This heartfelt connection was key to ensuring that aid reached everyone in need, tailored to meet their specific circumstances.

Compassionate Support at Donation Centers: Our team’s presence in two major donation centers was pivotal. Working hand-in-hand with local volunteers, authorities, and Texas Emergency Management, we helped distribute food and basic necessities, providing a beacon of hope and support during these trying times.

Generous Aid Distribution: Collaborating with local organizations, SAMU distributed over 10,000 emergency supply kits, including food, water, personal hygiene items, and basic medical supplies. These were directed to the most severely affected areas, ensuring swift and meaningful support.

Through these efforts, SAMU First Response showcased its dedication to rapid, compassionate, and efficient disaster response. Our commitment to collaboration, preparedness, and community-focused strategies shines as a testament to the power of kindness and collective action. As we continue with the recovery efforts, SAMU is wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing the resilience and rebuilding of the Texas Panhandle community, ensuring that our support brings not only relief but also hope and a path towards a stronger future.

  

 

   

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, SAMU First Response has mobilized a multidisciplinary team to provide critical relief across Georgia and Florida. Partnering with Project HOPE and Project BGreen, SAMU is distributing essential supplies and providing medical care to communities heavily impacted by the storm, which left over 3 million people without power.

Operating from a command post equipped with 4×4 vehicles, a rescue boat, and specialized tools, SAMU’s team is actively clearing roads and removing debris to restore access for emergency services.

To date, SAMU has supported nearly 100 individuals by assisting vehicles, aiding pedestrians, and delivering vital resources. Our teams remain committed to assisting Florida’s recovery, bringing much-needed relief and hope to those affected.

▶ More videos about our work.

The aftermath of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse has left many in difficult and uncertain situations, directly affecting many families and their well-being. Our goal is to provide assistance through the distribution of donations such as food, diapers, hygiene kits, and more. This took place at a Food Bank in Baltimore, assisting approximately 2000 people in a series of events. Our staff along with wonderful volunteers were involved in tasks such as sorting donations, distributing items, and providing general assistance to those in need.

On May 11th and July 13th, our team comprising staff from the logistics, service support, and data departments alongside volunteers from Accenture, collaborated with Maryland’s VOAD to provide critical assistance to the Baltimore community affected by the recent bridge collapse. We distributed essential items such as food, diapers, and hygiene kits at Tunner Park from 9 am to 11 am, serving around 300 individuals in need each time.

This well-coordinated effort demonstrated our commitment to supporting the affected population promptly and efficiently. The collaboration among various departments and external volunteers highlighted community spirit and ensured effective resource allocation. The event’s success underscored the importance of such initiatives and strengthened our relationships with partner organizations, highlighting the power of united efforts in disaster response and community support.