A List of Organizations to Support Lebanon

Hello everyone, 

I am a first generation Lebanese-American. As many of you know, there was a devastating explosion in Beirut that has crippled the country further. If you are not familiar with Lebanon, it is a small country in the Middle East that is inhabited by one of the most diverse and resilient groups of people in the world. From amazing beaches on the Mediterranean to the grandiose cedar trees in the mountains, Lebanon offers all who visit an experience they will never forget. If you look closely to your friend group or network, I promise you there is one Lebanese friend who has brought over their famous grape leaves or shared their grandmother's hummus recipe with you before.  

Established nearly 5000 years ago, Beirut is one of the oldest cities in the world. Egyptian, Roman, Ottoman, and nearly every major empire has stepped foot in Beirut. Beirut's inhabitants represent over fifteen religions and groups of people. The city is not only the capital but the heart of the millions of Lebanese that live in the country and the millions more that live outside of the country. Lebanese all around the world are hurting right now and are desperately in need of support. 

There are a number of fake organizations trying to steal donations and relief funds. So in the spirit of providing trustworthy and fact-based information to all, I have worked with a few Lebanese friends to identify the best places to offer support. If you have a few moments, I ask that you review the the following organizations if you are interested in supporting the donation and relief efforts. 

DONATE TO THE LEBANESE RED CROSS

Who: The Lebanese Red Cross is a National Society working on the immediate response to save the most vulnerable and needy during disasters, crises, emergencies, and security incidents, as well as the preparation and readiness to limit risks.

What: Download the app to donate to national or local ambulatory services recovering the injured and transporting them to medical care as quickly as possible.

https://www.redcross.org.lb/SubPage.aspx?pageid=1370&PID=158

DONATE TO OFFREJOIE

Who: Offrejoie is an apolitical and non-confessional Lebanese NGO founded in 1985. It brings together volunteers from all faiths and all Lebanon, as well as friends of Lebanon around the world, who advocate and act for a plural Lebanon, free and fair.

What: Offrejoie will be cleaning and rehabilitating houses in the wake of the explosion, with the help of the volunteers and skilled workers. Our volunteers will make sure families hosted in our centers in Kfifan and Maad have all their needs met and are well protected.

https://www.givingloop.org/offrejoie 

DONATE TO CRS

Who: As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, Catholic Relief Services works with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality. We like to donate to CRS as they have a 4 star Charity Navigator Rating. This organization has earned a GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency by voluntarily sharing the measures of progress and results they use to pursue their mission.

What: Along with Caritas Lebanon, CRS is distributing emergency supplies, clearing rubble, and preparing medical and mental health teams for dispatch. When you give, you provide critical and immediate relief to the most vulnerable—hot meals, safe shelter, medication, hygiene kits and clean water. Your gift also helps ensure that mobile medical units and trauma support are available for those who need it most.

How: Follow this link to make a direct donation --> https://support.crs.org/donate/beirut-explosion?ms=mecfac0520bpl00gen00&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2020-Beirut-explosion&fbclid=IwAR2kaH1wYaLlK1xIdkQm9g0srW7CzCe1W6hFMU2w38CDqoEmVb1SAR-o0Kg

DONATE TO ST. GEORGE HOSPITAL

Who: Saint George Hospital University Medical Center is a nonprofit academic medical center, owned by the Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut and is academically affiliated to the University of Balamand. It is committed to treat all patients with dignity, respect and compassion regardless of their religion, nationality, socioeconomic status and race. It provides quality healthcare services to the sick and indigent at the lowest possible cost.

What: The Beirut Explosion has occurred in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic and patients suffering from COVID19 and various other ailments are being quickly transported to other hospitals. To keep infection levels low, St. George needs PPE and other medical donations to face the influx of these new patients head on.

How: Follow donation instructions at the website below

https://www.stgeorgehospital.org/covid19-donation

Thank you and God Bless.

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Josef