Türkiye-Syria earthquake: where your money is going

In northwest Syria, the earthquake severely affected the region and population as a whole. Syria is already facing numerous challenges that makes it one of the world's most complex humanitarian emergencies, and this disaster only exacerbated that.

With the money raised from the DEC appeal, we are responding in northwest Syria. Working with three local partner organisations, we are implementing a six-month project to ensure an effective response.

One of our partners has installed 331 shelters in northwest Syria so far. The team determined the most suitable locations for the shelters by speaking with those who need them. These specifically designed shelters are tailored to provide displaced people with safety, dignity and hope on their path towards a more stable life in a permanent home of their own.

The aim of the project is to ensure that 400 families have a secure and comfortable environment, giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives while waiting for their homes to be restored.

In a rural village in Aleppo, resides Hassan*, a man in his thirties, whose life was shattered by the devastating earthquake. The three-story building he called home was destroyed, crushing all his hopes and dreams. Hassan was not alone in this tragedy; he tragically lost beloved family members. The memory of his mother remains etched painfully in his heart, and his wife, along with their two children and his brother's daughter, as well as his entire brother's family, perished in this devastating disaster.

Left behind were a boy and a girl from his brother's family, who carry a flicker of hope within them.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, they sought temporary refuge in his brother's house. However, the extensive damage and unsuitable living conditions forced them to abandon that shelter. They were compelled to construct a small tent as a makeshift solution.

Life in the tent proved incredibly challenging, especially when faced with rain and the harsh winter season. They endured immense suffering and hardship, residing in a flimsy iron tent that failed to offer sufficient protection against the elements.

Fortunately, through the generous assistance provided by our partner organisations, Boyan and Better Shelter, Hassan and his remaining three children received an improved shelter that could better accommodate their needs. This new shelter offered protection from the harsh winter weather and served as a haven after losing their home.

With this improved shelter, Hassan and his children found a renewed sense of stability and safety amidst difficult circumstances. It is a testament to the vital support provided, helping them regain a semblance of normalcy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

Working with another of our partners, we will be providing cash assistance to affected families. Each family will receive 150 USD so that they can buy necessities, whilst keeping local markets afloat.

One of our partners specialises in protection. We will work with them to provide mental health care to those affected by the earthquake, helping them cope with the trauma and shock. Our partner plans to work with 700 people of different ages. They will also distribute cash assistance to assist people with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable groups in the area.

Overall, the joint efforts of Concern and its partners thanks to DEC funding will make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the earthquake in northwest Syria. By providing essential support, the teams hope to alleviate some of the suffering caused by the disaster and help people rebuild their lives.

*Name changed to protect the identity of the individual