These things are terrible to imagine, but they are a reality for millions of people across the world. In Iraq and Palestine in particular, many families suffer from severe poverty while at the same time living under the constant threat of spontaneous violence.
Through Life’s Family Assistance Program, poor families in Iraq and Palestine receive support on a monthly basis. This support can include food, clothing, and help with school expenses for their children, depending on the individual needs of each family.
In Palestine, the struggles of families are well known and numerous. Unemployment is at 25% in the West Bank, and above 50% in the blockaded Gaza Strip. While fewer jobs are available, the cost of living continues to rise. Unemployment, inflation, and an unstable political situation have put nearly 50% of all Palestinians below the poverty line. Things are so bad in Gaza that 80% of its residents rely on food aid from international charities for their survival.
In Iraq, the numbers are staggering. Approximately 2 million Iraqis have become internally displaced persons (IDPs), meaning that circumstances have forced them to leave their homes and cities and move to other areas within the country. That’s nearly 10% of the country’s population. Another 2 million Iraqis live as refugees in Syria and Jordan.
Nearly half the population--43%-- is living below the poverty line. What’s more, the unemployment rate is between 25-50%, with many still too frightened to leave their neighborhoods, even for work, because of the volatile security situation in the country.
You can help families that have nowhere else to turn!
For $150 a month, you can help sustain much of the needs of a family in the country of your choice. You can set up an automatic monthly donation for a sponsored family through your bank account or credit card. |
