Providing social and psycho-social assistance
After a sudden and shocking event of mass destruction, psychological distress is a significant reality and concern – especially for residents close to Beirut’s port (where the blast was located) who were already particularly vulnerable and impoverished.
Fondation de France is backing 11 psycho-social projects that aim to prevent psychological disorders, provide counseling to struggling individuals, and bring social and financial support to the most vulnerable. Since the blast, over 10,000 struggling families have received psycho-social or medical assistance and over 3,000 have been granted emergency financial support.
Supporting Lebanon’s Youth
In the wake of multiple crises, one after another, Fondation de France is supporting social, educational, and cultural activities for the youth population to uphold community connections and prevent further unrest.
These activities have helped youth process and express their experience after the explosion, given them a respite from their day-to-day routines, and provided continuous education. With nearly 3,000 young people receiving educational, psychosocial, and cultural assistance and opportunities and over 500 receiving new training, these programs are contributing to help the next generation reach their full potential.
Prioritizing Beirut’s Economic Recovery
The already fragile economy was damaged by the disaster – hitting especially hard brick-and-mortar small businesses and entrepreneurs whose storefronts, equipment, and inventory were destroyed.
Fondation de France has been working over the last year to stimulate the economy by accelerating the renovations of local shops – such as grocery stores, cafes, salons, and mechanics – and providing financial aid to micro-entrepreneurs.
The impact has been significant and will be long-lasting. Debt relief, reimbursement for losses, and renovations has been granted to over 300 companies and job training has empowered over 200 individuals.
Sheltering Vulnerable Families and Rebuilding Community Centers
Businesses were not the only property out of the nearly 10,000 buildings shaken by this disaster. Suddenly, families found themselves in houses without doors or windows, and important public centers were destroyed.
Fondation de France has been working to repair over 1,200 housing units for the most vulnerable victims – including neighborhoods with historic buildings whose restoration is more complex.
Recommended gifts received by Friends of Fondation de France for the Fondation de France Solidarity with Lebanon project have contributed to help the restoration of 13 public buildings, such as libraries and schools, that are foundational to the community.
Your Solidarity with Lebanon
After more than a year since the explosions, the community of Beirut still needs our support. Learn more about a critical way you can continue to show solidarity and have a lasting impact on the people of Lebanon.
