We are so thankful for the generous outpouring of care and compassion for hurting families
displaced by Typhoon Haiyan. Through your partnership and our Food for
the Hungry (FH) Philippines
staff presence, FH was able to respond to the devastating storm in a timely and practical way.
Through consultation with local government officials and other
leaders within Basey and Marabut Municipalities, FH identified 14 barangays (villages) that were most heavily impacted by the Typhoon. Right away, two food distribution drives took place to provide immediate aid to families. Relief
teams, comprised of FH staff and a local church, quickly put together 2-3 day food packs
with rice, noodles, and canned sardines for 2,000 families in Allen, Northern Samar .
Right now, FH is preparing two-week supply baskets of rice, canned
goods, noodles, coffee, sugar and Milo (energy drink) , as well as other items for every family in the 14 targeted villages. Sourced from Manila, all families will
receive the second week of food rations during the week of December 2nd:
- 2 blankets
- a sleeping mat
- a mosquito net
- a kitchen set
- a hygiene kit
As FH moves into the second
phase of emergency response/early recovery activities, the focus is shifting to help families restore their lives through supporting livelihoods through provision of rice and vegetable seed and tools
for farmers, through cash-for-work (CFW) for debris removal and shelter
materials as they rebuild their homes.
With many
schools destroyed in the typhoon, there is also a critical need to provide a
safe space for children to gather and play while their parents focus on
rebuilding, as well as provide a means for children to heal from the extreme
trauma they have experienced. In order to address these concerns, FH will
establish one Child Friendly Space (CFS) per village. These safe spaces will remain open until the schools resume
(likely Jan or Feb), and if well received, may continue
as an after-school program to provide children with continued psychosocial
care.
Will you join us in praying
that these and other activities continue to make significant impact and families become equipped to restore their lives?