Not Sure How to Help Lebanon? Start Here!

After the Beirut Blast, it became clear that not everyone had good intentions. Some people make mistakes or act out of desperation, so be cautious of fundraisers by Instagram pages or influencers with no track record.

Trusted NGOs are the way to go. They can accept donations directly, so middlemen aren’t necessary. Avoid sending money to random phone numbers and look for clear explanations on how funds will be used.

Before donating, ask how the money will be spent and if receipts will be provided. If you hear excuses like “We don’t provide receipts” or “Why are you asking this while people are dying,” proceed with caution.

In 2021, we tracked nearly $19 million in aid from Canada meant for Beirut Blast victims and found deceit and misallocation of funds. We want to ensure the right people get help this time.

During crises, many exploit generosity. Politicians, militias, and others may misuse funds. The more direct your donation, the better.

If you’re in Lebanon, find out what local families need and support them directly. If you’re abroad, donate to trusted NGOs or families in need. Avoid random fundraisers and middlemen to prevent delays

Here’s a list of trusted NGOs we recommend supporting:

#1 Lebanese Red Cross

The Lebanese Red Cross is actively providing crucial support during these drastic times. One of its most notable efforts includes emergency response services which makes a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the war.

You can contribute by making financial donations online through their website, by Bank transfer, or if you’re in Lebanon, you can donate by check to “Lebanese Red Cross” delivered to their Spears office. They’re also in urgent need of blood donations, if you’re able to donate blood call 1760 for LRC blood transfusion centers.

#2 Beit el Baraka

Beit el Baraka is a charity dedicated to supporting families in need. Their efforts include refurbishing homes and ensuring that students continue their education. They have been a lifeline to many during the current crisis as they are providing families with food, medicine, and housing.

If you want to contribute to their efforts, you can make financial donations to Beit el Baraka, through this link, especially for the reconstruction of houses afterward. They are also accepting in-kind donations such as cooked meals, canned food, hygiene products, mattresses, and more.

#3 Lebanese Food Bank

The Lebanese Food Bank is dedicated to alleviating hunger and reducing food waste across Lebanon. Currently they are distributing full meals to citizens taking refuge in schools. They are operating in 8 schools in Beirut as well as in other regions like Tripoli, Koura, Barja, etc.

You can make financial donations through their website, Whish Money account, or OMT. You can also contribute with in-kind donations such as cooked meals, ingredients, baby milk, diapers, hygiene kits, and so one. In terms of volunteers, they are looking for drivers, warehouse sorting, and kids’ entertainers.

#4 Food Blessed

Foodblessed is a hunger relief initiative run by volunteers whose mission is to divert food waste and be of help to the people in need. They are actively collecting food and distributing it to alleviate hunger during Lebanon’s difficult times.

Financial donations can be made through their Gofundme page or through other means such as OMT, Western Union, Whish Money, cash donations, or via bank transfer. They also need in-kind donations such as food, blankets, mattresses, first aid kits, hygiene products, etc. If you’re able to volunteer, they can use a hand in the cooking and distribution department.

#5 Offre Joie

Offre Joie is an NGO founded in 1985 dedicated to fostering unity and support across Lebanon. Currently they’re actively providing essentials to affected communities. Through their volunteers, they’re distributing food, hygiene kits, and other necessities to those in need.

You can contribute by making financial donations, more information on that is in their contribution form. They’re also actively seeking volunteers, mainly drivers and kitchen staff.

#6 Caritas

Caritas is a global network dedicated to ending poverty with a presence in 160 countries. Caritas promotes justice, and restoring dignity. Caritas is actively providing essential support to those affected by the escalating situation in Lebanon. They are offering shelter, medical care, food, hygiene supplies, as well as psychological support to displaced families and individuals.

Financial donations are crucial and can be made directly through their website. Volunteering your time and skills is another valuable way to help.

#7 Order of Malta

The Order of Malta is renowned for its humanitarian work, providing medical and social assistance worldwide. They are currently running numerous healthcare and social welfare programs across the country, as well as distributing essential supplies.

You can make a financial donation directly through their website. These funds support their various humanitarian projects. You can also offer your time by volunteering at their local centers or participating in community outreach programs.

The post Not Sure How to Help Lebanon? Start Here! appeared first on 961.