Humanitarian Disaster Institute

Disaster response requires more than just quick action; it requires deep intentionality.

To truly help, we have to center the needs of others above everything else. Kent Annan reminds us that humility is our greatest tool for effective, empathetic service.

"In today’s world, trauma touches every discipline... and virtually every person."

Alex highlights how trauma-informed education bridges the gap between personal faith, academic research, and real-world student care.

When we understand trauma, we can serve others with deeper empathy and insight, no matter our field of study.

In humanitarian disaster work, the immediate aftermath of a crisis requires rapid assessment and clear, actionable pathways for care.

's BLESS CPR framework is designed to take the guesswork out of helping.

Learn more about Spiritual First Aid and the BLESS CPR Framework, by following the link in the comments below.

Major life transitions are rarely easy adjustments.

In light of the recent commencement, we wanted to share 5 practical ways to handle the shift, manage the inevitable stress of change, and approach the future with structural goals and faith.

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Take a moment and share this post with a friend going through a major life transition!

We are still reflecting on the incredible 3-day seminar, Mutuality, Gender, and the Wheaton of Tomorrow, co-led by our own Dr. Jamie Goodwin and Dr. Christine Jeske.

A highlight of the event was hearing from guest speaker Eeva Sallinen Simard from World Relief. She presented on the powerful book, Creating Cultures of Belonging, co-written by herself and Beth Birmingham.

If you are looking to build more inclusive, thoughtful environments in your own spaces, we highly recommend adding Eeva’s book to your reading list!

The Center for Applied Christian Ethics (CACE) recently hosted an impactful 3-day seminar on "Gender and Mutuality in the Wheaton of Tomorrow." Co-led by Dr. Jamie Goodwin and Dr. Christine Jeske, the gathering helped attendees thoughtfully imagine the future of gendered relationships, leadership, and institutional life at Wheaton College.

The seminar featured guest Eeva Sallinen Simard (Technical Advisor, Integral Mission at World Relief), who dove into the book Creating Cultures of Belonging: Cultivating Organizations Where Women and Men Thrive, co-authored by herself and Beth Birmingham.

We are incredibly grateful for our faculty members and partners who are willing to lead these important conversations!

Through the HDL program, Ivan Odiit-Onapito solidified his commitment to social justice and found a renewed sense of purpose. From teaching refugee children with World Relief to evaluating relief efforts in Africa and the Middle East with Samaritan’s Purse, Ivan's time in the program was defined by hands-on, transformative action.

Supported by dedicated faculty mentorship and a strong alumni network, Ivan went on to serve as the Programs Manager at Watts of Love, where he developed effective systems and collaborated with partners in Africa.

Today, Ivan is taking the values of love, service, and evidence-based practice to the next level by pursuing a PhD in International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

To learn more about the HDL program, follow the link in our bio!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to look at how we care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of those on the front lines of crisis.

In humanitarian and disaster response work, we often meet people on the worst day of their lives. When a community is displaced, traumatized, or overwhelmed by disaster, it is important to know what to say.

Swipe through for 4 strategic trauma-informed questions designed to cut through the chaos of crisis.

Save this post so you are prepared to offer care the next time someone is in need.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a critical time to evaluate how we support ourselves, our teams, volunteers, and communities through prolonged periods of crisis.

When dealing with systemic or humanitarian challenges, chronic stress is an invisible reality. As leaders and caregivers, our approach to mental wellness must shift from reactive "fixes" to sustainable, supportive rhythms.

To learn more about implementing these practices in your organization, visit https://champ.ly/nKBUFOWA.

Our HDI students and faculty recently completed the final intensive of the academic year. Congratulations to everyone on a great finish!