Food distribution in Lebanon;
Credit: Caritas Lebanon
Caritas Luxembourg has mobilised its efforts and resources to support victims of the explosions that devastated Beirut in Lebanon last month.
On 4 August 2020, the Lebanese capital was hit by two huge explosions that hurt the population, already severely affected by the economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the social tensions that ravage the country. To help the victims, Caritas Luxembourg appealed for the solidarity of the Luxembourg population - which in turn was very generous.
Thanks to this mobilisation, as well as the support of public bodies such as the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Caritas Luxembourg has been able to help many families. The organisation is distributing food baskets and hot meals daily to the most vulnerable families and to the elderly, disabled people or those living in foster homes. 70% of the inhabitants of the district of Bourj Hammoud and 80% of that of Karantina, two very disadvantaged districts in which Caritas Luxembourg is particularly mobilised, require emergency food aid. Coupons are also distributed to families so that they can obtain their basic necessities.
Cash assistance allows vulnerable families to pay for repairs to their homes or replace essential items such as windows, beds, mattresses or stoves. 70% to 90% of the houses in Bourj Hammoud and 80% of those in Karantina have been destroyed or partially destroyed.
People living in rented accommodation are, in turn, protected against eviction or rent increases through agreements between tenant, landlord and Caritas in which the conditions of the renovation and the rental lease are agreed.
Light repair work (window and door repairs, glass replacement, electrical work, etc.) is being undertaken directly in several neighbourhoods.
Caritas is also providing psychological assistance and follow-ups to the many people traumatised by the disaster, many of whom are elderly or children.
