Cryptocurrency for sure is a very nice way of putting money directly in the hands of the needy. If Steemit goes global and is accepted basically everywhere (or instead, Bitcoin is accepted in the relevant country), there is no better way to cut out the middle man.
The best way seems to have an active hands on local organisation that can be trusted who can obtain relief funds and put them to direct good use.
Another good example of what this tech enables us to do.