Gaza Emergency Relief Fund

In our last report, we told you about two homes in progress. We're happy to tell you that those two homes are now complete! Both the Al Amour and Al Hashash families are now living in improved homes with new roofs, windows, doors, and more. It was urgent to finish because they had told Al Amal Society, our local NGO partner, that they suffered every winter from cold rain flooding into their homes. Project cost: $5,000 per family. Total spent: $10,000.

The Al Amour family has three disabled sons who are students at a school run by Al Amal Society. Their old home was a one-bedroom with just one bathroom, a small space for some plants, and a kitchen with no refrigerator or stove. Part of the solution for their new home was providing privacy for the mother as formerly the bedroom was the only place she wasn't in full view of her neighbors. The engineer not only added a new room but provided an outside garden wall between the Al Amours' home and the neighbors.

The mother said, "Now I can move freely in my house. Now I can wear whatever I like. I used to put full clothes on me and even cover my hair all the time to go from my room to the kitchen or to the bathroom.”

Besides having a new bathroom and kitchen with appliances, part of the project's goal was to help them get back on their feet. The family's request was granted for new chickens to raise as a source of income and food. 

The Al Hashash family is a single-mother household with six sons and two daughters. Three of the children are deaf. The mother lived in fear because the house was not a safe environment for her children. The house had broken doors, windows, and tiles, and the walls were rotted. Now, the kitchen and bathroom are much improved. All broken elements were replaced. Two new rooms were added. A new electric system was also installed throughout. 

Four more families: Another local NGO partner, Al Basma Club for the Disabled, also received a grant to renovate the homes of four families. One family did not even have basic supplies like blankets and chairs. Now that renovations and distibution are complete, their lives are much improved. We look forward to going more into detail about them in the next report. 

In light of active COVID cases increasing in the Gaza Strip, it's important that Gaza families can shelter-in-place safely. Your support made it possible for these six families. Last year's December disbursement was three times more than the month before! Thank you so much!