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Beirut-based ACT member converts development programs into emergency aid for hundreds of displaced families

It is becoming increasingly difficult to get aid out to those in need in Lebanon. Photo: Hege Opseth/NCA-ACT

August 4, 2006

Geneva/Baltimore (IOCC)-Day 24 of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah finds one-fourth of the country’s population displaced from their homes of which an estimated 128,000 have taken shelter in public schools and institutions. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a U.S.-based member of the global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, is continuing its relief efforts to displaced families, delivering food and hygiene parcels to 892 families in the Maten and Alley areas, and reaching the more dangerous regions of the Chouf during the 48-hour lull in fighting earlier this week.

Many of these displaced families are staying in the public schools where IOCC has been repairing infrastructure and conducting an education/feeding program since 2001. On average there are 30-40 families per school, with each family staying in a classroom. Staff members are coordinating their efforts with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, Local ACT member Middle East Council of Churches, and with the Orthodox Church in each village or area that IOCC distribution of supplies is taking place.

"IOCC may not be one of the larger aid organizations on the ground in Lebanon," says Interim Director of Operations Matthew Parry, "but it is certainly one of the best positioned." Literally overnight, Beirut staff converted the IOCC development program into an emergency relief effort, using trucks that normally distributed public school meals, to reach distressed families. Staff members were also able to use their network of food suppliers to procure food and hygiene items, a task that was very difficult in view of the security situation.

IOCC began its relief efforts in the Maten and Alley areas of Mount Lebanon, providing one food and one hygiene parcel per family. U.S.-based Church World Service, also a member of the ACT alliance, has pledged 5,000 hygiene kits, 500 collapsible water containers, and hundreds of wool blankets. Each parcel contains supplies that last for one month. Food parcels contain milk powder, vegetable oil, canned fish, hummus, beans, pasta, rice, corn, jam, tea, and sugar. Hygiene parcels contain toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, tissue paper, toilet paper, shampoo, antiseptic cleaner, laundry soap, and sanitary pads.

"I think IOCC is distinctive in its approach because in addition to providing basic food and hygiene supplies, we are also providing educational materials about ways to relieve stress and the importance of food and personal hygiene," says IOCC Beirut Program Coordinator Linda Shaker Berbari. "This will help families cope better with their environment and prevent problems that might arise due to poor hygienic practices."

IOCC has been active in the Middle East since 1997, when it first implemented humanitarian programs in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. With funding from the Greek Government, IOCC is currently implementing an emergency response program in Gaza and recently completed a civil society program for rural Palestinians. IOCC also has various relief and development activities in Iraq and Jordan and has undertaken programs in Lebanon since 2001. Current programs in Lebanon include a USDA-funded Food for Education program.

ACT is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.

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Contributions to support humanitarian assistance to civililans in need in Lebanon may be made to Church World Service by credit card online or by calling (800) 297-1516, ext. 222; or by check to:

Church World Service
Lebanon Crisis
Account #6820
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515

Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676;
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526;

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