Addressing the dire consequences of sectarian violence and forced displacement in the Syrian coast, Western Syria Development launched a comprehensive housing and humanitarian project as part of the Ahl al-Bayt Initiative. This project aims to protect the most vulnerable families who sought refuge in Lebanese camps, where they faced extreme poverty and a lack of stability.
Intervention Standards and Criteria
The project was built on solid humanitarian principles, utilizing the following methodology:
• Conducting a comprehensive needs assessment via Jot Form.
• Defining fragility levels to select the most in-need families from Lebanese camps.
• Adopting an integrated response approach covering housing, food, health, and winterization.
Impact and Targeted Groups
The initiative reached a total of 143 families, consisting of 726 individuals. Priority was given to:
• Households including persons with special needs or the elderly.
• Families headed by women or those with children under the age of five.
• Individuals suffering from chronic diseases.
From Camps to Comprehensive Protection
Families were relocated to rented apartments. Within the same framework, they received food assistance, medical consultations, chronic disease medications, and winter jackets. This holistic support helped reduce financial burdens and enhanced the sense of security, allowing families to better integrate and seek employment opportunities.
Timeline and Transition Strategy
The project duration is six months, starting in October and ending in March. Due to heightened security requirements, the housing component will conclude at the end of February. To ensure transparency, families were notified in early January. Furthermore, a one-time cash assistance will be distributed in March to support families in finding alternative housing.
Future Vision
Western Syria Development is working on developing more sustainable responses, focusing on livelihoods and flexible transitional solutions to support newly displaced families and the most vulnerable groups.