Title: Lutherans Assist With Aid to Albanian Families ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF April 21, 1997 CHURCHES AID ALBANIAN FAMILIES Action by Churches Together (ACT) will respond to the civil crisis in Albania with family food parcels and medical supplies over a three month period. ACT has issued an appeal for $320,000. ACT is a worldwide network of churches, including the Lutheran World Federation, meeting human need through coordinated emergency response. Albania descended into full scale crisis this month as civil disorder and violence spread throughout the country. According to ACT, all citizens of Albania are severely affected by anarchy brought on by the collapse of corrupt economic and political systems. ACT will target those at the highest risk for its relief assistance. An estimated 4,000 families will receive food parcels to ensure adequate nutrition. Each parcel will also contain medical supplies. At the end of three months ACT anticipates government support systems will be functional and the economic crisis will have subsided. The turmoil has its origins in the collapse of a number of "pyramid" investment schemes. According to ACT, experts estimate that as many as 80 percent of Albanians invested their life's savings and property in get-rich-quick investment companies, hoping for some financial security. The collapse of these companies has put Albanian families in desperate economic straits, ACT said. Demonstrations led to state of anarchy in many areas, with massive violence and destruction. Most government buildings, universities, hospitals, clinics and social institutions throughout Albania have been damaged or destroyed, ACT said. Almost all hospitals and clinics were looted. Government distribution systems are not functioning and stockpiles are depleted or non-existent. The failing economy suffers further from the destruction of factories and businesses. ACT reports that the Albanian Orthodox Church is providing critically needed food assistance in widespread areas of Albania. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html