The past few weeks have brought a dramatic and painful escalation across our region. In this moment of profound uncertainty, our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we hope you and your loved ones are finding safety and moments of respite.

Our thoughts are especially with those in Lebanon, where renewed violence and large-scale displacement are once again affecting communities across the country.

In times like these, the resilience of the human spirit is most visible at the grassroots level. We want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the social founders building and serving their communities. Social enterprises have consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt and respond in moments of crisis because they are deeply rooted in communities, trusted by those they serve, and well placed to pivot when needs shift.

Alfanar remains in close contact with our team in Lebanon and the social enterprises in our portfolio, many of whom are mobilising to support displaced families and vulnerable communities while continuing their long-term work.

Below are some ways you can support social enterprises delivering urgent relief.

• Bedayati is on the ground working to ensure that displaced families fleeing the South, Bekaa and, Dahieh have access to essential meals. They are raising funds to provide hot meals, iftar meals, and ready-to-eat nutritional support. Support here.
• ProAbled is preparing and distributing vacuum-sealed and hot meals to centres and schools hosting internally displaced persons, including persons with disabilities, as well as NGOs supporting affected communities across Lebanon. Donate here.
• Ahla Fawda has reactivated its community relief initiative through Ahla Fawda Dekkene, a space that provides essential goods free of charge to families in need. They are accepting donations of food, blankets, clothes, medicine, and financial contributions, and are also calling for volunteers to support cooking and other activities. Contact via phone (+961 1 355 211) or WhatsApp (+961 79 064 125), or visit their Instagram for more information.
• FabricAID is responding to the current situation by producing clothing and essential supply kits to support civil initiatives and NGOs in relief efforts. Reach out on WhatsApp (+961 76 900 230) to learn how you can help.
• Lebanese Social Responsibility, with support from World Central Kitchen, has launched an emergency response including central kitchens providing hot food and field units supporting displaced communities. Opportunities to volunteer and contribute are available through their platform.
• MMKN has launched an urgent fundraising effort to support displaced families and provide essential assistance in schools hosting those seeking shelter. Multiple options are available to donate here.
• Makani is raising funds to respond to urgent needs for the women it works with in the suburbs and refugee camps of southern Beirut, providing immediate relief and sustained care including through provision of clean water and food, essential supplies, and medical treatment. Find out more and donate here.
• Aranciel is providing immediate relief to displaced families including clothing, heating wood, assistive devices and psychosocial care for children – with an additional focus on supporting persons with disabilities with provision of assistive devices, food parcels and hygiene kits. Find out more here. La Boutique Sociale, an initiative under Aranciel, is also donating clothes to displaced persons in shelters.