The Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center was established in 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah to: (1) prepare emergency relief supplies for shipment worldwide, (2) train those desiring to develop employable skills and become self-reliant, and (3) offer service opportunities.
The emergency relief supplies required by the Church include clothing and other household items, educational materials, and medical supplies. Once donated, these items are processed and prepared for shipment to where they are needed most. In a typical year, the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center will ship about 12 million pounds of shoes and clothing, 1 million hygiene kits, and 1 million pounds of medical supplies to relieve suffering in more than 100 countries.
At any given time, more than 100 individuals—mostly refugees and immigrants—are being trained at the center to join the workforce and become self-reliant. These trainees, representing as many as 30 countries and 20 different languages, attend classes in English, computer skills, and customer service. Trainees are assigned a job coach who, in addition to work skills, emphasizes the importance of attendance, punctuality, personal hygiene, and other basic life skills. Training lasts up to 18 months, after which assistance is provided in finding long-term employment.
Throughout the year, volunteers come to the center to assist with the preparation of emergency relief supplies. Activities vary from day to day depending on current needs. Please contact the center before your visit to review the needs for volunteers.