CRS Expands Operations in Lebanon
As aid workers continue to assess damages and needs throughout Lebanon, CRS is expanding its operations in Lebanon with the August 31 opening of a new office in Beirut.
CRS, together with its local partner, Caritas Lebanon, is the largest non-governmental humanitarian aid organization in Lebanon.
"It quickly became obvious that the devastating effects of the war on the whole of Lebanon require more long-term support," says Mark Schnellbaecher, CRS regional director for the Middle East and Europe. "We'll focus on rebuilding with programs that pay off for future stability, like back-to-school programs and specialized psychosocial support for children or programs to help generate income, like cash for work."
Caritas staff conducting assessments in El Hajje, near the southern city of Nabatiye.
When the war in Lebanon started, CRS brought in emergency aid experts from around the globe to help local agencies set up centers for the hundreds of thousands who were fleeing bombed villages. Within days, CRS and its local partner agency Caritas Lebanon served nearly 100,000 people. The worldwide aid agency now has a more permanent operation with a core, international staff in place.
CRS places high value on partnering with local agencies to facilitate its work. In addition to Caritas Lebanon, CRS also coordinates closely with the Development for People and Nature Association and Mouvement Social.
"We provide resources and training for our local partners so the community takes ownership in rebuilding itself. For example, through our partners, we can provide supplies and tools for people to rebuild their homes," says Mindy Burrell, the new head of office for CRS in Beirut. "The last thing we want to see happen is for people to become dependent for an extended period on outside sources for their basic needs."
As the country deals with reconstructing its infrastructure — roads, bridges, power plants, water and sewer operations — in addition to the destroyed and damaged homes and schools, ongoing emergency efforts persist. Almost all of the nearly one million people who left their villages have returned. But up to 40 percent cannot live in their homes because of destruction, damage, lack of electricity and water, or unexploded ground bombs. As a result, they are living with families and friends.
CRS and its partners are still providing immediate assistance as they move toward long-term rebuilding. Mouvement Social is working with communities in Nabatyeh to refurbish schools. Caritas Lebanon and Development for People and Nature Association are distributing a month's supply of food packets for 10,000 families in the Saida (Sidon) area in southern Lebanon and delivering a week's supply of water for about 25,000 people in Marjeyoun along with more than 37,000 hygiene kits.
