Lebanon

beirut

In partnership with Habitat for Humanity

Improving living conditions for refugees in Beirut, Lebanon

Somfy's Lebanon subsidiary supports the Habitat for Humanity NGO to improve the living conditions in Beirut for refugees from Syria, Palestine and Iraq.

Since 2011, the Syrian conflict has devastated communities across the country causing the displacement of 8 million Syrians and prompting the exodus of more than 4 million to neighbouring countries and Western Europe.

Habitat for Humanity works in several countries that are in the migratory route of the refugees seeking asylum in Europe. From Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt through transfer countries of Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary and forth to the destination countries, such as Germany and the UK where the refugees want to finally find a safe place to live.

Due to its extensive presence in the region and the unprecedented scale of the crisis, Habitat for Humanity considered it crucial to react to the immediate emergency and preserve basic human needs and dignity of refugees. In 2015, Habitat for Humanity launched its response to the crisis in Macedonia and Lebanon.  

How it works

Unfortunately, security incidents, serious and recurring in Lebanon show that the security situation can deteriorate rapidly due to the presence of various political groups and activists around the country, especially in urban low-income areas such as Palestinian refugee camps and other suburbs.

However, once permissions had been obtained for the evaluation of 450 families living in the Beirut suburb of Bourj Hammoud and after a careful analysis, Habitat for Humanity has identified 150 extremely vulnerable families.

The aim of the Habitat for Humanity project is to improve living conditions and increase the amount of available accommodation. The NGO hopes to finish the work on the apartments as well as completing the transformation of alternative buildings. It also wants to renovate and re-construct properties by focusing on access to clean water. Water can become a serious health risk for occupants.

Habitat for Humanity has been able to identify interventions that will be needed to allow selected refugee families to live in better conditions. Work began in August to improve living conditions in the camp of Bourj Hammoud .

Thanks to Habitat for Humanity's participation, assistance securing accommodation and help carrying out renovations will be given to families. Moreover, the community's infrastructure will be improved (drainage, sewerage, health infrastructures, schools, clinics, etc.). 

150 extremely vulnerable families
have been identified 


A child in the refugee camp

Bourj Hammoud - Beirut 

Commitment

SOMFY LEBANON

Somfy's Lebanon subsidiary supports the Habitat for Humanity NGO to improve the living conditions of refugees from Syria, Palestine, Iraq, etc.

In 2016, Habitat for Humanity scaled up its activities following the increased arrival of refugees fleeing the Syrian crisis.

"For us in the Middle-East & Africa, it is important to participate in such a course of action by the Foundation because we believe in supporting human rights and contributing to improving the conditions of those who are suffering due to war and natural disaster. This type of contribution reflects SOMFY's values especially when it comes to social responsibility and leading the way in this respect is really what differentiates us from similar companies and creates the standards of distinguished leadership. 

We have committed ourselves in the Lebanon subsidiary to participate in alleviating the suffering of those who have been affected by the ongoing war around us, whether it is refugees or Lebanese families that have been affected by this crisis.

The importance of designing and implementing such projects among our staff creates a sense of belonging and pride because they are working in a company that contributes to a noble cause. I believe it also strengthens employee commitment to Somfy’s culture and vision as well as boosting their self-esteem. It also gives them an additional reason to be motivated, by feeling the impact of their bigger family - SOMFY - on their local community."

Ghazy Abdul Khalek, Managing Director for Somfy Middle East Africa

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LEBANON

"Habitat for Humanity Lebanon’s vision is to reach across economic and social divisions to identify, understand and confront the causes and realities of inadequate shelter throughout the country. Habitat for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds and religions to build and repair houses and develop stronger, more resilient communities.

Together with Somfy Foundation and Somfy Middle East we will improve the living conditions for refugees who are coming to Lebanon from Syria, Palestine, Iraq and also Lebanese families affected by the crisis. Through this dynamic project and partnership, we can reach to more families across the country with housing solutions that responds to their specific needs, restoring not only houses but lives, through addressing poverty housing, lack of water, poor sanitation and relieving part of the psychological stress that these families are under.

Together with Somfy we can make a difference."

Dani El Tayar, National Director, Habitat for Humanity Lebanon

 

 

    • Ghazy abdul khalek

      Managing Director for Somfy Middle East Africa

    • Dani El Tayar

      National Director, Habitat For Humanity Lebanon