Faith in Action: Reaching Over 30,000 People Through Lebanon’s Emergency Response

Executive Summary – Lebanon Emergency Response

Project (Oct 2024 – Jun 2025)

Implementing Partner: Middle East Revive and Thrive (MERATH)

Project Duration: 9 months

Geographic Coverage: Beirut: Achrafieh, Msaytbeh; Mt. Lebanon: Chiyah, Dora, Dekwaneh, Nabaa, Fanar, Mansourieh; Akkar: Rahbe; North: Kfarhabou; Bekaa: Zahle, Riyaq; Baalbeck-Hermel; Nabatieh; South: Tyre

Funding Partners: Various faith-based and humanitarian organizations

Context

From October to November 2024, Lebanon experienced its most severe conflict in over a decade, resulting in mass displacement (≈900,000 people), widespread poverty, and economic collapse. Following a ceasefire on 27 November 2024, around 90% of displaced families began returning to damaged homes. MERATH and its network of local church partners implemented a rapid, adaptive response to meet the urgent needs of displaced, returnee, and crisis-affected households.

Key Achievements

People Reached: Target 4,000 individuals; Actual 32,583 individuals (8,123 households) –

exceeding the target by more than 700%.

Aid Delivered:

- Blankets: 8,750 Mattresses: 4,510 Clothing: 64,404 items

- Hygiene items: 28,239 Food boxes & RTE meals: 2,200

- Fuel & heaters: 1,300+ households supported

- Vouchers/e-cards: 335 households

Satisfaction Rate: 100% (95% for blankets during shortages)

Safeguarding: No incidents reported; strong adherence to PSEAH standards.

Impact

The project reduced vulnerability and restored dignity among conflict-affected populations. Distributions were timely, adaptive, and inclusive, reaching elderly, disabled, and female-headed households. Local churches—trusted and embedded within their communities—were often the first responders, filling critical gaps before larger agencies arrived. The unconditional nature of support strengthened social cohesion and community trust.

Challenges

• Overwhelming needs during hostilities made prioritization difficult.

• Early shortages of key supplies (blankets, tuna, mattresses).

• Rapid demographic shifts after the ceasefire required re-targeting.

• Emotional strain on volunteers supporting traumatized families.

Lessons Learned

• Preparedness saves lives – Pre-positioned stockpiles enabled rapid response.

• Timeliness equals impact – Fast, flexible delivery was as vital as the aid itself.

• Faith-based networks matter – Local churches enhanced reach, trust, and sustainability.

• Post-conflict recovery is essential – Continued support is critical for returnees rebuilding

livelihoods.

Conclusion

The Lebanon Emergency Response Project greatly exceeded expectations, delivering essential, life-saving support to tens of thousands amid the crisis. It strengthened community resilience, enhanced coordination between faith-based and humanitarian actors, and reaffirmed MERATH’s commitment to serving with dignity, compassion, and accountability.

Photos provided by partners.