War-Torn Lebanon: NGOs Fight to Save Lives Amid Funding Crisis

Lebanese NGOs on the Brink - Saving Lives Despite Financial Strains

 “We're working day by day to assess needs, as they're growing with more people displaced...”

Lebanon's humanitarian crisis worsens as war displaces over 1 million people. NGOs like Beity Association, Amel, Nation Station, and Zaituna Association provide vital aid, but face funding shortages. International volunteers join local efforts, showcasing solidarity. Despite challenges, organizations strive to offer essential services, including food, shelter, and psychological support.

In a small kitchen in Al-Fawar, a village near Sidon, Lebanon, a group of women from various age groups are gathered, cooking rice and chicken in large gas-fueled pots. Leading the team is Zainab Jumaa, 42, president of the Zaituna Association for Social Development.

The women are diligently preparing meals for hundreds of displaced individuals from southern Lebanon, forced to flee due to Israeli airstrikes. Their culinary efforts aim to bring comfort through traditional Palestinian-style mansaf, consisting of rice, tender chicken, and crispy fried pine nuts.

Despite their dedication, Zaituna Association faces significant funding constraints, limiting their meal service to twice a week. This restriction highlights the critical need for sustained support to continue aiding displaced persons.

Zaituna Association's Humanitarian Efforts

° Providing meals for displaced individuals

° Preparing traditional Palestinian-style mansaf

° Limited funding restricts meal service to twice weekly

The Need for Ongoing Support

° Day-to-day funding crucial for sustained aid

° Increased resources would enable more frequent meal service

° Community support vital for organizations like Zaituna Association.

Zainab Jumaa, president of the Lebanese Zaituna organization, described the challenges they face in providing food for displaced families. “We started cooking every day at the beginning of the escalation of the war in September. But this week, unfortunately, we'll only be able to cook once or twice because we don't have many funds,” Jumaa told DW.

Originally focused on social projects in Sidon's Palestinian Ein El Hilweh refugee camp, Zaituna now temporarily supports 150 additional displaced families fleeing Israel's war against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Among them is Ghada Al-Ghoul, 44, who escaped bombings to nearby Saida. She shares a small apartment with her five children and 13 other refugees, paying $500 (€464) per month.

Struggling to make ends meet, Al-Ghoul expressed her concerns: “I don't know if or when I'll return; it will depend on the outcome of the American elections,” she told DW. The uncertainty weighs heavily on her, as she struggles to buy food, with most of her money going toward rent and bills.

Zaituna's meal distribution efforts are hindered by limited funding. Each 100-meal batch, feeding up to five people per meal, costs around $450. However, low donations restrict their ability to provide more. Despite support from South Korean nonprofit Nanum Munhwa since 2006, Zaituna struggles to secure additional funding from other sources.

Zainab Jumaa, president of the Lebanese Zaituna organization, described the challenging conditions they face: ”Our work is much more stressful now, we're working under war conditions, with constant sonic booms from Israeli planes unsettling our volunteers and teachers.” Despite these difficulties, Jumaa remains resolute: “The pressure is intense, especially with limited funds to keep cooking daily. But we have the courage, and we're pushing through.”

The Zaituna organization's financial struggles reflect a broader crisis among small Lebanese nonprofits. Providing food and shelter for internal refugees has pushed these organizations to their financial limits. Limited funding hampers their ability to provide adequate support to those displaced by the conflict.

Zaituna's financial woes are symptomatic of the broader challenges facing small NGOs working amid Israel's war in Lebanon. These organizations struggle to maintain essential services, such as food distribution, due to insufficient funding.

The situation in Lebanon is dire. Since October 2023, Israel's military campaigns against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have resulted in devastating consequences. Over 3,000 Lebanese have lost their lives, and more than 13,000 have been injured, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The bombings and ground offensive in southern Lebanon have displaced an astonishing 1.2 million people, exacerbating the already critical economic and infrastructural strain on the country.

The displacement has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with many forced to seek shelter in temporary facilities such as schools or rented, unfurnished homes. Others have been left with no choice but to live on the streets. In response, international and local NGOs, along with private initiatives, have stepped in to provide vital aid to those affected. Organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and UNICEF are working tirelessly to support displaced families.

Challenges Facing Displaced Families:

Lack of Access to Basic Needs: Food, water, diapers for infants, and medicine are in short supply.

Insufficient Shelter: Many are living in collective shelters or temporary facilities.

Limited Education and Protection: Displaced children are struggling to access education and protection services.

NGO Response Efforts:

NRC's Education Program: Supporting access to formal education and providing non-formal education programs.

UNICEF's Emergency Response: Providing critical aid, including non-food items, hygiene kits, and cash assistance.

Community Support: Local initiatives are helping to address the immediate needs of displaced families.

The situation remains critical, and continued support is essential to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

Lebanon's economic crisis and the ongoing war have severely impacted smaller, less well-funded nonprofits, hindering their ability to provide essential services to those in need. Josephine Zgheib, president and co-founder of Beity Association, shared her organization's efforts to adapt to the crisis. “We've converted our hostel in Kfardebian into a shelter for displaced individuals,” she explained.

Beity Association focuses on empowering women, youth, and promoting good governance. Despite being primarily self-financed, they distribute food, water, clothes, and offer psychological support to those affected. Their hostel and five nearby schools provide shelter for approximately 600 people, a testament to their dedication.

The economic fallout of the war has been devastating, with estimated losses exceeding $7.7 billion. This has exacerbated the existing economic crisis, which has seen Lebanon's GDP plummet to 40% of its 2018 level. The country's reliance on capital inflows, which soared to nearly 90% of GDP in 2023, has further complicated the situation.

Challenges Facing Nonprofits:

Reduced Funding: Smaller nonprofits struggle to secure funding, hindering their ability to provide essential services.

Increased Demand: The growing number of displaced individuals puts additional pressure on already strained resources.

Economic Uncertainty: Lebanon's economic crisis and reliance on capital inflows create uncertainty for nonprofits.

Effort to Address the Crisis:

Self-Financing: Organizations like Beity Association rely on self-financing to continue providing essential services.

Josephine Zgheib, a humanitarian worker, recalls the pivotal board meeting on September 23, where they decided to open a hostel to support displaced individuals. “We had a board meeting on September 23, where we decided to open the hostel to help our people,” she said. “It's our duty; we can't let them be on the streets, especially as we know that our government is unable to assist them.” This sense of responsibility drives their efforts, despite the challenges they face.

According to Josephine Zgheib, Beity Association's monthly expenditures exceed $2,000, posing a significant financial strain. Despite this, the nonprofit remains committed to providing vital support. Zgheib emphasized that their efforts go beyond mere survival, aiming to give displaced individuals a “sense of community” amidst chaos.

Even larger NGOs, such as Amel Association, are struggling due to the war. With 1,400 staff and 500 volunteers, Amel delivers essential services like primary healthcare, education, and women's programs. In response to the crisis, they've expanded their reach, providing emergency aid, including clothes, hygiene kits, staple foods, and mattresses, to displaced individuals.

Amel relies heavily on international organizations and embassy funding, supplemented by private donations through platforms like GoFundMe. This diverse funding base enables Amel to maintain its critical services. However, the ongoing conflict and economic instability continue to challenge NGOs like Amel and Beity Association, underscoring the need for sustained support.

Daniella Khalil, Protection Program Coordinator at Amel Association, described the organization's adaptability in response to the crisis. “In normal times, we focus on health, protection, education, livelihoods, and migrant workers,” she told DW. However, the war has compelled Amel to reassess its priorities. “But war has shifted our priorities to immediate needs, and we've begun integrating our activities to give displaced people a sense of choice and community.”

The conflict has also taken a toll on Amel's infrastructure. Airstrikes on Beirut damaged five of their centers, forcing the association to adopt mobile units to serve displaced populations. This shift has increased operational costs due to transportation and field equipment expenses. Despite these challenges, Amel remains committed to providing vital support.

Major Challenges:

Damaged infrastructure: Five Amel centers affected

Increased operational costs: Transportation and field equipment expenses

Shift in priorities: Focus on immediate needs, integrating activities for displaced people

Efforts to Address the Crisis:

Mobile units: Expanding reach to displaced populations

Integrated services: Providing choice and community for displaced individuals

Continued commitment: Amel's dedication to supporting those affected.

Lebanon's caretaker environment minister, Nasser Yassin, has sounded the alarm, stating that a staggering $250 million per month is needed to support the over one million individuals affected by the war. However, the current efforts of the government, local initiatives, and international aid are only covering a mere 20% of these costs.

The situation is dire, with the UNHCR emphasizing the urgent need for safe shelters, mattresses, blankets, and cash assistance. To address this, the agency has already provided cash aid to approximately 348,100 displaced people. Furthermore, an inter-agency flash appeal has been launched to raise $425.7 million to support over one million people, with the UNHCR requesting $111 million.

Lebanon Crisis Response Plan

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has proposed a response plan to address the crisis, with funding requirements totaling $65,150,000. The plan focuses on two key objectives:

Saving Lives and Protecting People on the Move: $45,900,000 required, with $5,581,966 already confirmed.

Driving Solutions to Displacement: $19,250,000 required, with $1,759,655 already confirmed 

It's clear that the international community needs to come together to support Lebanon in this time of crisis. The funding gap is substantial, and urgent action is required to ensure the basic needs of the affected populations are met.

The situation in Lebanon is dire, with the UNHCR emphasizing the urgent need for safe shelters, mattresses, blankets, and cash assistance. Approximately 348,100 displaced people have received cash aid from the agency, but much more is needed. An inter-agency flash appeal has been launched to raise $425.7 million to support over one million people, with the UNHCR requesting $111 million.

For individuals like Leila Hammad Faraj, 61, the situation is particularly challenging. She lives with her family in a Saida household of 26 people, paying $200 per month after her home in Tyre was damaged by bombs. “I don't receive any money from the government; I have no clothes, nothing,” she shared while receiving her meal from the Zaituna Association.

The struggle is real, and organizations like the Zaituna Association are working tirelessly to provide essential support. However, the funding gap remains significant, and international aid is crucial to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

Vital Needs:

Safe Shelters: Urgent requirement to provide displaced people with secure housing.

Basic Essentials: Mattresses, blankets, and clothing are in short supply.

Cash Assistance: Vital for displaced individuals to meet daily expenses.

The Appeal:

• Inter-Agency Flash Appeal: Seeks to raise $425.7 million to support over one million people.
• UNHCR Request: $111 million required to provide critical aid.

The international community must come together to support Lebanon in this time of crisis. The needs are vast, and every contribution counts.

Nation Station, a Beirut-based community kitchen, has been a lifeline for thousands of people affected by the war in Lebanon. Founded after the devastating Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, this remarkable organization now provides approximately 4,000 daily meals to 8-10 shelters in Beirut and nearby areas. What's remarkable is that it was initially funded by the founders' personal savings, showcasing their dedication to helping their community.

Currently, Nation Station relies on donations, grants, and a GoFundMe campaign to sustain its operations. However, they're facing a significant funding shortage, which threatens their ability to continue beyond the next 20-30 days. Josephine Abou Abdo, one of Nation Station's co-founders, expressed concerns about the uncertainty of their funding, stating, “We're working day by day to assess needs, as they're growing with more people displaced. Right now, sustaining funding is challenging; we're unsure if it's sustainable.”

The situation is even more dire when compared to 2020, when Nation Station distributed food to only about 200-300 people. The exponential growth in demand underscores the urgent need for support. Community kitchens like Nation Station play a vital role in addressing food insecurity, especially among vulnerable populations. Research has shown that these initiatives can improve nutrition, provide a sense of community, and offer opportunities for nutrition education.

Key Challenges:

Funding Shortage: Nation Station's funding is uncertain beyond the next 20-30 days.

Growing Demand: The number of displaced people seeking assistance is increasing.

Sustainability: The organization's long-term viability is at risk due to funding constraints.

Supporting Community Kitchens:

Donations: Contributions can help bridge the funding gap.

Grants: Applying for grants can provide essential financial support.

Volunteer Efforts: Community involvement can help alleviate operational pressures.

Despite the economic challenges and stress caused by the war, NGO workers and volunteers like Hanan Sa'aadeh continue to find ways to cope and mitigate the humanitarian crisis. Hanan, a 34-year-old teacher at the Zaituna Association, has taken on a new role cooking for displaced people, but she's eager to return to her projects with her pupils soon.

“Despite the war, I come to work smiling and don't let my feelings affect the children. I won't say I'm worried; we must remain optimistic and give them energy and hope,” Hanan shared with DW. Her resilience and dedication are truly inspiring, and it's clear that her optimism is contagious.

To manage stress and anxiety during challenging times, experts recommend practices like ”Self-Care,” which includes deep breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques. “Setting Boundaries” with social media and news consumption can also help alleviate anxiety. By prioritizing their own well-being, individuals like Hanan can continue to make a positive impact in their communities.

Additionally, “Seeking Support” from loved ones, friends, or mental health professionals can provide a sense of security and stability. Recognizing personal “Triggers” and taking steps to avoid or manage them can also help mitigate anxiety. By adopting these strategies, individuals can build resilience and continue to thrive despite adversity.

Nation Station, a Beirut-based community kitchen, has become a beacon of solidarity, attracting international volunteers who share a common goal of supporting those affected by the war. Arslan, a 34-year-old Franco-Algerian living in Beirut, described the community kitchen as “a central hub of solidarity.”

Lorenzo Marella, a 32-year-old Italian who previously worked with an NGO in Beirut, returned to Lebanon to lend a hand. He expressed his motivations, saying, “Here, at least, you try to do something, stay together, and give strength,” despite feeling frustration and sadness.

Khalil from Amel Association highlighted the emotional toll on their team, noting that 90% of their staff have been displaced themselves. “It's been intense for our team; it's like we're working with people who are essentially ourselves,” he shared. To cope with this unique challenge, Amel has implemented group support and prioritized staff well-being. “This has required us to develop group support and find ways to balance their time on the field with time for themselves.”

The Power of Solidarity:

International volunteers unite at Nation Station

Shared goal: Support those affected by the war

Emotional burden: Amel's staff face personal displacement

Resilience and Support:

° Group support for Amel's staff

° Balancing field work with personal time

° Prioritizing staff well-being in crisis situations