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.
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?