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LEBANON\u2019S CHALLENGES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On August 4, 2021, Lebanon is commemorating one year since the catastrophic explosion in the port of Beirut<\/strong> that plunged the country from a serious socio-economic and political crisis into a deep depression. For the population of 4.5 million, it was the \u201cstraw that broke the camel\u2019s back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the past year alone, inflation rose 120% on basic commodities and food. The Lebanese pound lost over 1000% of its value. The COVID pandemic forced many lockdowns. 480,000 jobs were lost and everything is now in short supply \u2014 food, electricity, water, medicine and petroleum. The number of people living in poverty has jumped from 20% to 55% and it has fueled people\u2019s frustration and anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Present in Lebanon since 1949, CNEWA\u2019s Beirut office was able to respond rapidly<\/strong> through its many Church and Christian institution partners on the ground and is still working tirelessly assessing the ongoing needs of the community. Since the blast struck a large portion of the Christian quarter of Beirut, our support focused on ensuring that Christians can maintain a strong presence in Lebanon. Here is a general summary of what you supported:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working with groups such as the Karagheusian socio-medical center, clinics run by various communities of religious sisters, and social service committees of various eparchies, CNEWA provided food packages to 15,230 families. The packages contained beans, flour, rice, dry milk, oil, dry pasta, tuna, and canned tomatoes, which should feed a family of four for one month. The families who received food \u2013 including Lebanese nationals, Palestinians, Iraqi or Syrian refugees, and migrant workers \u2013 were identified as most in danger of malnutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amount distributed: $963,300<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Working closely with St. Vincent de Paul, CNEWA identified and repaired the homes of 109 families in central Beirut. The families chosen were drawn from the most vulnerable, including those who lost a family member in the explosion, lost their source of income or struggled with health conditions. CNEWA\u2019s work included window and door replacement, electrical and plumbing work, wall repairs, painting and carpentry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, CNEWA identified 23 families and helped them repair their small shops or businesses, including hair and beauty salons, fruit and vegetable stands, and coffee shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amount distributed: $151,800<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Restoring two major Catholic hospitals and two clinics in Beirut:<\/strong> The Holy Family Sisters\u2019 Geitawi University Hospital and the Rosary Sisters\u2019 Hospital were able to resume their full range of medical services to patients. This allowed 1,150 employees and 170 university students to return to work and serve more than 100,000 in hospital and outpatients. The clinics run by the Daughters of Charity and the intercommunity Assembly of Religious Women were able to get back to work and serve more than 2,000 people, mostly from displaced and migrant families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Providing medical assistance: <\/strong>About 1100 people received medications and vitamins, as well as various medical exams and treatments, at places like the Good Shepherd Sisters\u2019 St. Anthony Dispensary in Rweissat and the intercommunity dispensary. CNEWA also donated 123 oxygen concentrators and 143 oximeters to 8 church-administered medical centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Providing psychological\/spiritual care:<\/strong> Working through Oum el Nour, an outreach service for those struggling with substance abuse, founded by the retired Maronite Archbishop of Sarba, CNEWA provided access to therapies and counseling for those suffering from the effects of PTSD following the blast. Over 1,000 people (children, women and men) participated in these sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amount Distributed: $3,750,000<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The principal areas impacted by the August blast, the neighborhoods of Achrafieh and Mar Mikael, are home to many convents and religious houses of men and women. Most of these places serve multiple purposes as schools and kindergartens to 9,000 children, as well as other programs for children with special needs, and medical support to another 5,000 people. CNEWA worked with 13 communities, representing six congregations of sisters, to rehabilitate their living quarters and their areas of service which were damaged significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amount distributed: $963,100<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The current situation in Lebanon is having a direct impact on the Christian presence in the country. <\/strong>In 1974 Christians represented over 55% of the population \u2014 it is now at 37% and hundreds have left or are planning to leave. Many of the educated who are leaving, especially Christian youth, are fed up and frustrated. Lebanon\u2019s well respected Catholic schools are in danger of shutting their doors, as well as many important church institutions taking care of the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCNEWA\u2019S RESPONSE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
HOW YOUR SUPPORT GAVE HOPE TO FAMILIES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FOOD ASSISTANCE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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HOME AND BUSINESS REPAIRS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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HEALTH CARE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\nRESTORATION OF RELIGIOUS CENTERS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CNEWA\u2019S PRIORITIES 2021-2022<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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