Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches (FMEEC) as it  provides supplies to cover winter needs of people displaced by the ongoing conflict in Syria.

During the harsh winter months, the partnership will meet immediate needs for 500 families in Aleppo and Homs Governorate who have been newly displaced or seriously affected by the effects of the conflict.  The over seven-year conflict in Syria has had a significant impact on the economy and resulted in high basic commodity prices, shortages in basic necessities, low wages and high rates of unemployment. FMEEC will provide fuel, blankets and clothing to help families struggling this winter.

“While the security situation has improved in many parts of Syria, the scale, severity, and complexity of needs across the country  are staggering,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer for Disaster Response and Risk Reduction with Episcopal Relief & Development. “For many displaced and other vulnerable families, winter brings with it heavy burdens and responsibilities that are too much for them to bear on their own.”

Since 2013, Episcopal Relief & Development has supported FMEEC in caring for people displaced by the crisis. It is an association of the Evangelical (Protestant) churches of the Middle East, whose members include the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt, Iran, Sudan and Jerusalem. FMEEC’s volunteer network of church youth and local coordinators serve in different logistical roles in target areas and have assisted communities since 2011.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.