Feed the Hungry,Warm the Cold-Support Afghanistan

For several years, Action for Development has responded to the winter needs of some of the most vulnerable families in Afghanistan through this GlobalGiving project. What began as seasonal assistance and a response to COVID-19 has become an important lifeline for families living in extreme poverty, displaced households, women-headed families, families caring for children with disabilities, and families whose children work on the streets to help provide a small income.

During the winter of 2025–2026, temperatures fell sharply, with nights in Kabul reaching around -7°C. In January 2026, thanks to donor support, Action for Development provided 300 families—approximately 2,100 people—with 40-kg sacks of coal in Kabul and Parwan Province. These families included households of children attending Action for Development’s programmes for street-working children, many of whom live in extremely difficult circumstances.

For these families, coal was not simply fuel. It meant warmth through freezing nights, protection for children and older family members, and one less impossible choice between heating the home and buying food.

As Afghanistan approaches another harsh winter, Action for Development is preparing for another cycle of support for vulnerable families, returnees, and communities already struggling with poverty, displacement, and limited access to basic services.

Afghanistan is now facing an additional burden following the large-scale return of Afghans from neighbouring countries. UNHCR estimates that around 5.7 million Afghans remain in Iran and Pakistan in refugee or refugee-like situations, while more than 1.15 million Afghans had returned to Afghanistan during 2026 by 22 August. These movements are placing enormous pressure on communities that are already experiencing poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services.

For many families returning from Iran and Pakistan, this winter may be their first season back in Afghanistan after years or even decades away. Many arrive with few possessions, limited income, and no secure housing. Women-headed households, children, older people, people with disabilities, and families living in remote or underserved areas are particularly vulnerable.

Winter in Afghanistan is not simply a seasonal challenge; it can become a matter of survival. Freezing temperatures, snow, inadequate heating, poor housing, and insufficient winter clothing can expose already vulnerable families to respiratory illness, hypothermia, and other serious health risks. Families facing food insecurity may also be forced to choose between buying food and purchasing fuel or warm clothing.

Through its community-based programmes, as well as its health and education activities, Action for Development has seen first-hand how quickly families can fall into crisis when basic winter needs cannot be met. This year, Action for Development will begin assessments in areas where recently returned families are settling, as well as in vulnerable host communities already under pressure.

Households will be prioritised according to vulnerability and need, with particular attention to families recently returned from Iran and Pakistan, women-headed households, families with children, older people, people with disabilities, and communities with limited access to support.

Your support through GlobalGiving can help Action for Development provide timely, practical, and dignified winter assistance to families who are facing the cold with very limited resources. As winter approaches, continued donor support will be essential to help vulnerable families stay warm, protect their health, and get through the months ahead with greater safety and dignity.

Thank you for standing with families in Afghanistan during one of the most difficult times of the year.