The Humanitarian Disaster Institute is the first faith-based academic disaster research center in the country. Our mission is to help the church prepare and care for a disaster-filled world. We use our research to create resources and events geared toward students, survivors, helpers, and researchers.
Hear from program director Dr. Jamie Aten why you should consider an M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership. This new program, the first of its kind in the world, looks at humanitarian and disaster issues through a uniquely Christian perspective.
For regular updates about the work of Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI), including upcoming events, conferences, field work, articles, and more, subscribe to our newsletter.
Disasters are one of the biggest moral and biblical justice issues facing the church and society, and HDI is at work around the globe equipping the church to help underserved and vulnerable populations challenged by disasters and humanitarian crises.
HDI’s pioneering research has helped tens of thousands of people live more faithfully and resiliently worldwide by translating scientific advances into training, tools, resources, and interventions for equipping the church to prepare and care amidst disasters.
HDI offers evidence-informed resources for disaster, spiritual, and emotional care, disaster ministry, and for humanitarian assistance. These resources, which include books, manuals, articles, tip sheets, booklets, and videos, are intended for survivors, helpers, students, and researchers.
HDI hosts lectures, panels, and the Disaster Ministry Conference to equip church and lay leaders to serve amid disasters domestically and internationally, featuring global leaders in disaster ministry, emergency management, humanitarian aid, and the public and mental health fields.
Our founder and executive director Dr. Jamie Aten has a new book, A Walking Disaster: What Surviving Katrina and Cancer Taught Me About Faith and Resilience, out now from Templeton Press.
HDI is supported by a community of scholars and advisers from across Wheaton’s campus and around the country.
Our faculty and staff advance HDI's mission and interdisciplinary programming through their teaching, research, and writing. Get to know our team.
HDI Contributing Scholars are respected psychologists at institutions across the country working with HDI as co-investigators on research projects. Get to know out contributing scholars.
With our new MA in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College Graduate School, there are many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to work with HDI. Learn more about student and alumni stories.
