International Orthodox Christian Charities, Inc. (or IOCC), based in Baltimore, Maryland, is the official international humanitarian agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has distributed $580 million in emergency relief and development assistance to families and communities in more than 50 countries. IOCC does not provide funds for Church missions such as religious education or missionary work. All funds collected by the agency (minus administrative expenses) are instead used for humanitarian aid. All assistance is provided solely on the basis of need, and benefits families, refugees and displaced persons, the elderly, school children, orphans, and people with disabilities.