Caritas Australia’s partners in Lebanon have given an update on the charity’s assistance in the beleaguered country, with more than 130,000 hot meals delivered in four days to people in need.

Between 18-21October 2024, a Caritas Lebanon program run in partnership with the World Food Program saw 134,571 hot meals distributed. On October 18, 1000 dignity kits were also given to those in need, along with 1327 mattresses, 1328 pillows, 1328 blankets, 776 hygiene kits and 756 baby kits. 

This is just a snapshot of the work being done by Caritas partners, who have supported over 100,000 internally displaced and affected persons since September 24, delivering over one million critical services. 

These services include daily hot meals, ready-to-eat food packages, hygiene kits, baby and elderly care kits, protection services, and comprehensive healthcare including psychosocial support to help individuals cope with trauma. 

Caritas Australia has been supporting Caritas Lebanon since the launch of its Lebanon Crisis Appeal, which initially focused on supporting those impacted by the economic crisis in the country.

 Amid the new wave of displacement, Caritas Lebanon has now mobilized to provide wide-reaching emergency assistance for those in need. 

Caritas Lebanon was established in 1972 when it helped the Lebanese population navigate the complexities of the civil war, giving the organization decades of humanitarian response experience in the region. 

“Behind the politics of this dire and rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East are real people, families and communities fleeing their homes with nothing,” said Sally Thomas, humanitarian emergencies lead at Caritas Australia.

“Many of these people were already weathering one of the worst economic crises in the world in the past 150 years, and now face winter with no home and no income.

“Caritas Lebanon’s vast network is a lifeline for our brothers and sisters facing severe challenges, as is the continued compassion and generosity of the community here in Australia.”