When disasters happen, Hope Force International weighs the following eight factors to determine our response. As a minimum, criteria 1-4 must be present.

• A sense of God's direction:  Time is given to prayer to seek God’s leading in a disaster response mission.

• Severe need: Lives are in danger. There is great suffering and loss, particularly among the most vulnerable of society. Suffering will continue unless people intervene. We have a moral obligation to help.

• Help is needed and requested: The affected country or partner requests assistance; other organizations cannot adequately meet needs; we can make a significant difference by our involvement.

• Resources are available: We have the potential to raise resources and the necessary capacity (personnel, funding and materials).

• Presence: We are already established in the region/country and will be able to manage the relief program efficiently; or we partner with, and/or support like-minded organizations with shared goals that are better positioned to respond.

• Additional funding: Donors will likely offer or provide funding to assist the disaster victims. Our local community is requesting that we respond and offering resources.

• Media attention: The disaster is receiving media attention resulting in significant funding to help in the response.

• Access and security: We will give careful consideration to site access and host country permission. Security issues for both expatriate and national staff and volunteers will also be considered.

 (adopted from Northwest Medical Teams)