London: 2021 will mark ten years of conflict that has decimated Syria, causing a humanitarian crisis that has left an estimated 80 percent of Syrians in poverty and created the largest internally displaced population in the world. UK charity, Muslim Hands has been working in Syria since the start of the conflict and is introducing two new projects, the Syrian Housing Project and Syrian Bread Factory.
The Syrian Housing Project has begun construction to build 150 sturdy brick houses in Idlib at a cost of £180,000. The homes will accommodate displaced Syrian families who currently live-in makeshift shelters or out in the open. The huge project, which is the first of its kind, involves the partnership of other charitable organisations with the overall aim of building a total of 50,000 houses on 100 acres of land, in the Syrian safe zone near the Turkish border. Each home will cost £1,200 and will cover 38 square metres of space, consisting of two main rooms, a kitchen, a washroom and a small yard. All homes will come fully furnished and the hope is that families can start moving in before May.
Mohamed recently fled to Idlib with his six children. They are living in a bombed-out building with no doors or windows and water leaking through the roof. Though it provides some shelter from the freezing cold and protection from outside dangers, Mohamed is longing for stability for his family. The brick homes in Idlib will serve families like Mohamed, giving them a safe and secure base from which to rebuild their lives.
Muslim Hands will also rehabilitate an abandoned bread factory in Idlib which will provide 35,000 beneficiaries with freshly baked bread every day. According to the World Food Programme, over half the Syrian population is food insecure. Prices of food continue to spiral out of control, as the economy teeters on the brink of collapse and cuts to UK overseas aid will throw millions in Syria deeper into crisis.
‘Both these projects are not only about alleviating hardship, but about completely transforming lives. To visit one of the IDP camps in Idlib for just half-an-hour is extremely difficult. Those living in food poverty are suffering, their living situation is desperate. It is not acceptable in today’s world for anyone to be living without food or a safe, warm space to call home. We urge our donors to come forward and support these projects which are a lifeline and a symbol of hope to so many Syrian families.’ Yasrab Shah, Muslim Hands Fundraising Director.
