Who We Are
About PHDI
The Puntland Humanitarian Development Initiative is a U.S.-based nonprofit headquartered in Columbus, Ohio — connecting resources, building capacity, and strengthening communities in Puntland, Somalia.
Our Story
A Bridge Between the United States and Puntland
The Puntland Humanitarian Development Initiative (PHDI) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, working to support humanitarian and sustainable development initiatives in Puntland, Somalia.
PHDI connects communities and institutions in Puntland with donors, nonprofit organizations, businesses, healthcare organizations, universities, professionals, and other partners in the United States and internationally.
We believe that meaningful and sustainable development requires more than short-term assistance. It requires strong partnerships, local participation, responsible use of resources, and investments that help communities build their own capacity for the future.
The Region We Serve
About Puntland
Puntland is a region of northeastern Somalia established as an autonomous administration in 1998. Located in the Horn of Africa along the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, Puntland encompasses approximately 212,510 square kilometers with a population estimated in the millions. Its capital is Garowe. PHDI works to connect Puntland communities and institutions with resources, expertise, equipment, and partnerships that support education, healthcare, emergency services, and sustainable community development.
Purpose & Direction
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To create sustainable partnerships between individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities in the United States and Puntland, Somalia, to provide essential resources, equipment, technology, and expertise that improve community health, safety, education, and development.
Our Vision
Over the next five to ten years, PHDI envisions Puntland communities that are healthier, better educated, safer, and better prepared to meet their own needs.
- ✓Children have access to quality education, safe schools, trained teachers, educational materials, and opportunities to continue their education.
- ✓Healthcare facilities have essential medical supplies, equipment, trained personnel, and stronger medical partnerships.
- ✓EMS, fire, rescue, and emergency response teams have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to respond effectively.
- ✓Young people have access to skills training, vocational education, employment opportunities, and opportunities to contribute to their communities.
Women and families have greater access to resources and opportunities that strengthen household and community well-being.
Communities have improved access to essential services such as clean water and sanitation.
Local institutions have greater capacity to plan, manage resources, and deliver services effectively.
The Puntland diaspora has meaningful opportunities to contribute knowledge, investment, partnerships, and philanthropy.
How We Work
Our Approach
PHDI is committed to a community-driven, needs-based, transparent, and partnership-focused approach.
Community-Driven
We listen to communities and local institutions to understand their priorities and challenges.
Needs-Based
Projects are selected based on documented or demonstrated needs rather than assumptions.
Transparent & Accountable
We believe donors, partners, Board members, and communities should understand how resources are used and what impact is being achieved.
Diaspora-Led & Connected
We seek to use the knowledge, experience, relationships, and resources of the Puntland and Somali diaspora to strengthen communities.
Partnership-Focused
Sustainable progress requires collaboration with nonprofits, foundations, businesses, universities, healthcare organizations, professionals, donors, and local institutions.
Practical
We seek to turn donations and partnerships into tangible improvements — such as school resources, medical equipment, emergency equipment, training, technology, and community development projects.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Integrity
We act honestly, ethically, and in the best interests of the communities we serve.
Transparency
We communicate openly with donors, partners, Board members, and communities about our work and the use of resources.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our decisions, commitments, resources, and results.
Service
We are committed to serving communities and responding to meaningful humanitarian and development needs.
Community Partnership
We work with communities, local institutions, organizations, and leaders to develop solutions that reflect real needs.
Sustainability
We focus on long-term capacity and sustainable solutions rather than short-term assistance alone.
Respect
We treat every person with dignity and respect regardless of background, status, gender, age, or circumstance.
Excellence
We strive to conduct our work professionally and continuously improve our programs and operations.
Leadership & Governance
Board of Directors
PHDI is governed by a Board of Directors committed to accountability, responsible stewardship of resources, effective program oversight, and strong organizational governance.
PHDI is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and responsible nonprofit management.
Join Us in Strengthening Communities
Whether you volunteer, donate, or partner with us — your support helps PHDI deliver life-changing programs to Puntland communities.