Light of Hope | MECC Provides Diesel to Many Shelters in Lebanon to Ensure the Continuity of Its Essential Services
As part of the “Light of Hope” initiative launched by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in response to the repercussions of the war in Lebanon, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, distributed diesel to collective shelters and municipalities in the South, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon. This intervention aided displaced populations and responded to urgent needs related to electricity and basic service provision. It was supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hannover (ELCH) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and aimed to help maintain essential operations in sites hosting displaced families.
The provision of diesel contributed to powering generators used for lighting, water pumping, and other critical services, supporting adequate living conditions within shelters and easing pressure on municipalities managing high numbers of displaced individuals.
The Distribution took place in:
Deir el Qamar collective shelter - 250 beneficiaries
Flora Guesthouse collective shelter in Karantina - 1100 beneficiaries
Ain Dara collective shelter - 150 beneficiaries
Tyr Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & collective shelter - 3640 beneficiaries
Ain Ebel Municipality - 1540 beneficiaries
Rmeich Municipality - 6000 beneficiaries
Kawkaba Municipality - 280 beneficiaries
Beneficiaries feedback was very positive, as the provision of diesel addressed a critical need within shelters and municipalities supporting displaced populations. The fuel support played a key role in maintaining essential services, particularly electricity and water supply, which are vital for daily living in collective shelters.
Archimandrite Sassin in Al Rabwe collective shelter expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for the Council’s engagement, particularly highlighting the importance of the needs assessment conducted by the MECC team prior to the assistance. He also welcomed the provision of fuel support, which was urgently needed to ensure the continuity of essential services within the shelter during this critical period.