Elderlies in Lebanon Are in Danger
MECC Sorrows Hope in Their Homes
“I cannot express how happy I am with this aid! will share it with my brother’s family”, “You’ve restored my faith in humanity! I haven’t received any aid for a long time”, “Hygienic and cleaning products are expensive, so we can’t afford it”… As such, elderly women in Lebanon expressed their urgent need for a glimmer of hope and support amidst the social collapse that made them drown in despair due to the economic, social and health crises... they are witnessing as all the Lebanese people.
It is true that Lebanese families are facing many challenges amid the difficult living conditions, but elderlies have become one of the most vulnerable and affected groups. In fact, it is a reality that raises the alarm, especially with the absence of laws protecting elderlies, in light of a lack of social protection and access to health services. Hence, it is worth mentioning that many elderlies suffer from loneliness, neglect, abuse and even violence.
Therefore, the Middle East Council of Churches pursues its humanitarian mission to support the most vulnerable groups, through aid assistance provided by the Service and Relief Department - Diakonia, Beirut office. Thus, MECC distributed 700 cleaning kits, 300 hygiene kits, and 300 dignity kits to many elderlies.
This aid program was implemented in cooperation with more than 20 churches and organizations in Beirut, Mount and South Lebanon, and under the ordinance of the ACT Leb 211 appeal that MECC launched in partnership with the ACT’s Alliance to guarantee a dignified life for its beneficiaries.
In this framework, the coordinator of this aid program Mrs. Grace Boustany, said that “the MECC expanded its services by distributing food parcels, dignity kits, cleaning products, medicine etc… Cleaning products will be distributed among families with four or more members. Because of inflation, such services will decrease the economic burden on families”.
From her side, Mrs. Rita Abi Khalil, who is in charge of “The Listening Station” association, which is an MECC local partner and work for psychological support, said that “psychological support should be complemented by social support. The situation forced upon us has prevented women from receiving the basic necessities for personal hygiene. So this form of assistance will be given as a gift to women who have suffered and who have immense needs. Truly it is going to be even though the quantity is enough to sustain them for two or 3 months. This will decrease the psychological burdens of receiving such basic necessities”.
