Syria has been affected by conflict and natural disasters for the past 12 years, forcing 6.8 million Syrians to leave their homes and leading to a total of 15.3 million people requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. In fact, according to 2023 Humanitarian Needs, over 85% of households across Syria reported being unable to meet their basic needs.
Through ECHO funding, Acted is implementing a one year intervention to provide emergency multi-sectoral assistance to vulnerable communities in Syria. This project aims to ensure dignity and address the critical needs in access to basic services of host communities and displaced populations through providing shelter, WASH and cash assistance.
Ensuring privacy and dignity
Due to the long years of conflict, the population’s vulnerability to crises and natural disasters has increased and caused setbacks, especially in basic shelters. Unsafe and damaged house structures can affect residents’ feelings of protection and safety, leading to mental health issues.
Farah*, a 52-year-old widow, resides in a camp with 10 family members, following her displacement from her home due to conflict. Ever since the daily income of her children has decreased, and coupled with illnesses, the family struggles to cover life essentials. On top of that, natural hazards caused severe cracking in the incomplete structure of her house, which needed urgent renovation.
I invested all my savings in this three-room house, so when my house got affected, me and my family did not have the means for renovation. Through the cracks in the walls not only light and air entered inside, but insects made their way into the living room and children’s bedroom.
To respond to the urgent needs of Farah and her family, Acted renovated the walls and floor that had endured severe cracks and fissures, and replaced the damaged doors. Taking into account the family’s situation, a metal door was also installed to provide access to their rooftop and to prevent their children from climbing up with the risk of falling.
Farah’s house before Acted’s intervention Farah’s house before Acted’s intervention
The renovated house now provides basic shelter to protect the family and addresses their essential needs, including safety, security, dignity, and privacy. As now all rooms are inhabited by her sons’ families and Farah herself has a private bedroom instead of sleeping in the living room.
Acted, with the generous support of the EU – ECHO, is addressing immediate needs in housing, water and sanitation services for around 203,909 people in and out of camps in Syria. This includes repairs of private housing, as cracked walls needed to be built gradually in order not to destroy the basic structure of the house. Through follow-up visits of completed works, Acted ensures the safety of families and the quality for the works.
Tailored assistance according to needs
Ameed*, a 75-year-old widower, is suffering from chronic heart disease and back pain. Acted stepped in to renovate Ameed’s house due to his house’s proximity to the river running through the village, exposing the house to all kinds of hazards. To support Ameed, Acted repaired the kitchen, cracked walls, the staircase and floors, ensuring that Ameed can now move safely within his home.
Under this intervention, Acted directed its response toward the most vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with more than six members. The assistance provided was tailored on a case-by-case basis to meet their specific needs.
My house has transformed into a habitable home. With the sink in the kitchen, I can organize my chores better, which increases the cleanliness of my kitchen. My staircase was falling apart but after the renovation, I can use it without fear.
Ameed’s staircase after Acted’s renovation
Improved living quality
Without the intervention of Acted, her [Latife] house would have remained in a highly hazardous condition.
Latife*, a 63-year-old widow, relies on infrequent financial support from the local council of the village she resides in. Dealing with back and leg pain, she faces difficulties maintaining routine sanitation and hygiene. To enhance Latife’s living conditions, Acted replaced the squat toilet with a sitting toilet, adding a railing for safe moving, provided a wash basin in the kitchen, and renovated the walls of her house.
Latife’s bathroom before Acted’s renovation
I used to clean food utensils on the floor and now I possess a user-friendly dishwashing basin.
Privacy
