Alleviating Humanitarian Concerns in Ein El Helwe

The Issue

On Friday the 8^th of September 2023, Ein El Helwe camp in Saida once again became a battleground, with clashes escalating and security concerns intensifying. The recent armed conflict is not the first incident in the past months. Additionally, most analyses of the security and political situation indicate that such clashes are expected to both replicate and intensify in the short-term future. According to media reports, at least 11 people have been killed in the scope of seven days of clashes and over 100 injured. 

This has forced numerous families from the camp and its surroundings to flee their homes in search for safety. They have sought refuge in community centers, public schools, mosques, open public spaces, and welcoming houses of Saida community – thus adding to their existing vulnerabilities. 

The Project

International and local actors under the NGO Platform in Saida and the Municipality have mobilized to provide assistance to these vulnerable families notably UNRWA and including the Embassy of Palestine in Lebanon, Intersos, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Medical Action Palestine (MAP), Naba’a, Najdeh, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Oxfam, Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Save the Children, Tadamon, and UNICEF.

This has been further aided by the people of Saida, who have shown incredible resilience and solidarity by opening their homes to those displaced, despite their own economic hardships.  

The Change

The project intervention alleviates the immediate needs of displaced families in Saida by providing cash assistance, food security support, and essential supplies. By offering financial aid to host families, it ensures their sustainability while providing a safe haven for the displaced. The provision of food kits ensures access to nourishing meals, addressing basic nutritional needs. Additionally, the contingency fund for essential supplies like blankets, clothing, and medical supplies addresses the evolving situation. Expected results include improved livelihoods for both host and displaced families, enhanced food security, and immediate relief to those affected by the crisis, fostering resilience and solidarity within the community.

The Results

This project aims to support displaced vulnerable families residing in the Ein El Helwe Camp and surrounding areas, vulnerable host families of displaced individuals in Saida Region, as well as vulnerable families living in Saida Region. This project targets individuals of all nationalities, aiming to address the needs of men and women, boys and girls, older people and disabled people – particularly. The average age of the beneficiaries is 47 years old. The total number of beneficiaries that benefited from food parcels were 2,470. As for the cash assistance, 66 families were targeted.

Thematic Relevance

This project aligns with the theme of ’Save’. By mobilizing international and local actors, including NGOs and the Municipality, to assist vulnerable families in Saida, DCA’s intervention exemplifies the effort to save lives and alleviate suffering during crises. The provision of cash assistance, food security support, and essential supplies reflects a commitment to saving lives by meeting immediate needs and ensuring the well-being of displaced populations. Moreover, the solidarity and resilience shown by the people of Saida in opening their homes echo the theme of saving, as they provide a safe haven for those in need despite facing economic hardships themselves.