In her latest podcast, Paula is really excited to introduce you to Brett Schwemmer from International Relief Teams (IRT). This is a marvelous non-profit based in San Diego that provides help and disaster relief in the Americas. We are so very pleased to have them as a part of our Project Mercy Mexican house building program.
Brett is the Program Specialist for IRT and is responsible for volunteer recruitment, logistics support, and program management for critical programs.
Since 1988, International Relief Teams (IRT) has deployed more than 7,500 volunteers and provided $540 million in food, medicines, relief supplies, and volunteer services to families in need in 70 countries worldwide.
IRT helps families survive and recover after a disaster by providing timely and effective assistance. IRT also provides a hopeful future for underserved communities through programs that improve their health and wellbeing. During disasters, IRT deploys medical and reconstruction teams, provides supplies, and finances the restoration of infrastructure. IRT builds healthy communities through medical training programs; medical missions to low-income countries, including surgical and eyeglass teams; shipments of medicines to rural hospitals and clinics; and health, nutrition and education support for vulnerable populations.
In addition to working with Project Mercy Baja, Brett Schwemmer has coordinated IRT’s volunteer responses for Hurricane Harvey Disaster relief; and the 2016 flood disaster in Louisiana among other relief efforts. Brett has also worked with Better Vision, Brighter Future; and New Homes, New Beginnings.
Brett first moved to San Diego in 2003 to attend university at CSU San Marcos. He spent the last ten years working for startup companies and non-profit organizations around San Diego and volunteering abroad. Brett started at IRT as a program coordinator in 2014. When not in the office, he spends his time outdoors, participating in the field-to-table movement in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington State.
