JANUARY 14, 2019 | 10:00 P.M.
SPRINGFIELD, MO.Devastating winter weather is creating a critical situation in Lebanon, which includes flash flooding, extreme cold, and heavy snowfall. Convoy of Hope is responding to help the Lebanese and Syrian at-risk population with heating oil.
“Lebanon is a focus country for Convoy,” says Jeff Nene, Convoy of Hope’s National Spokesperson. “This is a group of people, refugees, and residents that we have made a commitment to. It is important that we go beyond our original commitment in order to meet the pressing needs in this dire situation. Our partners on the ground confirm the scene is quite devastating.”
Another storm is expected to hit the area this week, which could cause more flooding and compound the already fragile situation. Refugees living in the area are challenged with poor living conditions made worse by the recent flooding. Families are trying to keep their roofs clear of snow to avoid collapse, while other families have had flood water and raw sewage in their tent. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, life is a daily struggle for more than a million Syrian refugees. Around 70 percent live below the poverty line.
Since 2014, Convoy has worked with local partners in Lebanon to provide vital resources to both residents and refugees fleeing Syria. Those resources include food, heaters, newborn health kits, hygiene kits, coats, and more. In 2016, we implemented an emergency-based feeding program in Lebanon. We’re now regularly serving more than 1,000 Lebanese and Syrian refugee children in urban areas and camps.
We also restore livelihoods through Women’s Empowerment programming, helping mothers to start their own businesses. Doing so allows their children to attend school rather than having to earn money to supplement household expenses.
Convoy of Hope will continue meeting with partners and assessing the situation to further develop our relief response strategy.
