CLWR receives $2 million from Canadian Government for Syrian refugees

JORDAN – Two grants totaling about $2 million from the Canadian government will allow Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) to help thousands of people living in northern Jordan.

A $1.1 million grant is helping 10,000 Syrian refugees and Jordan citizens living in substandard housing this winter. They will be provided with gas heaters, gas bottles and refills, and winter clothing and carpets to keep out cold and moisture. Three hundred families will receive upgrades to their housing to create warmer and more sanitary living conditions, including increased access to safe drinking water and safe disposal of sewage. This assistance will be provided from December 2013 to May 2014.

This family of Syrian refugees living in Jordan live in a chicken coop. They will be receiving assistance through CLWR.

A second grant of about $900,000 will provide monthly food vouchers to 8,500 refugees and vulnerable Jordanians between January and June 2014, allowing them to purchase food at local supermarkets. This food assistance program will be implemented in partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank, of which CLWR is a member.

“Although they may be safe from violence in Syria, refugees sheltering in Jordan are facing serious challenges meeting their basic needs. The citizens of Jordan are also struggling,” says Robert Granke, executive director of CLWR. “This funding will help some of the most vulnerable families living in northern Jordan.”

More than two million refugees have fled conflict in Syria, with more than half a million finding refuge in Jordan. Costs for food, rent, water and other utilities have risen dramatically in response to the demand, placing a significant strain on Syrian refugees and poor Jordanians who are struggling to feed, clothe, and shelter their families. Winter is posing another serious challenge. Many refugees and poor Jordanians are living in structures not fit to withstand the cold, wet weather, like sheds and chicken coops.

Motivated by Christ’s love, CLWR and Lutheran Church–Canada work in effective partnership to improve day-to-day life and provide opportunity for long-term sustainability in communities around the globe. Within Canada, CLWR assists Lutheran communities engaged in refugee resettlement.

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