On August 4, 2020, a large explosion occurred at the port of Beirut that devastated the Lebanese capital with about 200 dead, more than 6,000 injured and more than 300,000 people left homeless or without shelter. Even before this catastrophe, the land of cedars was struggling in a profound economic crisis, accentuated by the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. According to official sources, more than 45% of the population lives below the poverty threshold and unemployment has risen to 35%.
Following the explosion and after the first emergency interventions, the Emergency Coordination of the Focolari Movement (Mdf, AMU and AFN) has decided to support families in restoring destroyed homes, activities and assets.
To identify the needs, questionnaires were distributed in each family unit so that they could sum up the estimated damage. After an evaluation of the project operators, the aid will be distributed on the basis of priority and severity of the damages, also considering the efforts made by those who have already started a new job or business, probably getting into debt.
The damages for which a contribution will be made, concern mainly doors and windows of homes and commercial activities, damaged furniture, appliances and kitchenware, work tools as well as tablets and laptops to allow students to resume online teaching activities.
The interventions on site are coordinated by Humanité Nouvelle which immediately began to collaborate with other Lebanese associations and communities (Parrainages Liban, IRAP, Muslim communities and the Apostolic Council of the Laity) and involve the most needy families in the area of the explosion.
Foreseen activities:
- Needs analysis by questionnaire
- Needs assessment and priority assignment
- Support for reconstruction and restoration of
- Doors and windows
- Working materials
- Appliances and furniture
- Learning tools for students
- Vehicles