Charity Humanitarian Centre "Abkhazeti" (CHCA), established in 1995, is a Georgian, non-Governmental, non-profit organization that aims to improve the livelihoods of conflict-affected and other socially vulnerable persons and enhance their social and economic integration. Formed in response to the thousands of Georgian IDPs created by violent conflict with the region of Abkhazia, CHCA has since implemented a wide range of programmes, from education and micro-finance to emergency relief and housing assistance. CHCA's general goals are to increase the role of individuals and communities in building civil society and strengthening democracy, as well as to improve the social and economic conditions of internally displaced and other vulnerable populations through capacity-building and increasing self-reliance. The activities of the organization are carried out transparently, based on principles of professionalism, equality, long-term partnerships and sustainable development. When the outbreak of conflict in August 2008 generated a new wave of IDPs (mostly from the "South Ossetia" area), CHCA responded immediately. Along with delivering swift emergency relief, it worked to lay the groundwork for longer-term development efforts that would soon become crucial to the recovery process of the newly-displaced population.
Today, CHCA implements an even broader range of projects as it endeavors to support development among both "new" and "old" IDPs, as well as returnees to former conflict areas. The projects implemented by CHCA directly serve approximately 5,000 beneficiaries per year. The organization's mission, meanwhile, remains constant: to strengthen and empower the displaced and vulnerable so that they may build a better future for themselves and their families. The strategic goals and objectives of CHCA are set by its Board. The organization's strategy is implemented by the Executive Director, who reports to the Board at least four times a year. The Executive Director manages the activities of the organization through four organizational units: Program Unit, Finance Unit, Procurement & Logistics Unit, and Administration Unit. Almost 85% of CHCA staff are IDPs, illustrating one of CHCA's principles - "IDPs serve IDPs." Over the years, CHCA has developed its organizational capacities and assets, improved and trained its staff, developed its internal structure, created internal monitoring and networking efforts, and developed financial reporting systems and effective internal regulation.
CHCA operates in five regions of Georgia: Imereti Region (Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo), Samegrelo Region (Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Khobi, Senaki), Shida Kartli Region (Gori, Kareli, Kaspi, Khashuri), Kvemo Kartli Region (Bolnisi, Gardabani, Marneuli, Tetri Tskaro) and Tbilisi (Capital city). The activities of CHCA are led by the head office (Tbilisi) and four branch offices (Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Gori).
In 2004, CHCA's Micro-Lending program grew successful enough to become a financially self-supporting institution. The now independent Microfinance Organization "Crystal" currently functions throughout Georgia, with the goal of fighting poverty and bolstering the development of a healthy business sector.
CHCA has collaborated with various international and local non-governmental organizations, as well as the Georgian government. A complete list of donors can be found here: Donors, and partners here: Partners. It has hosted many volunteers from the U.S. (Peace Corps) and Europe (EVS), as well as interns from a variety of organizations.
