Relief for 1900 displaced families - Northern Iraq

Operation Mercy’s team in Northern Iraq have completed two distributions in "Var City" since December 2015, one food distribution, and one hygiene kit distribution. The first two distributions were well organized and went fairly smoothly. In total they served around 1,150 households each distribution. The refugees and IDP's were encouraged and very thankful for the much needed provisions.

The first food distribution in December 2015 went well. The implementation of the project was through by Operation Mercy’s local partner HOME at their centre, with our oversight and advice. At least one staff member from Operation Mercy was always present during the distribution.

In order to serve the local community better, every household was asked around 25 questions during registration. The whole process of registration and food pack distribution took three days.

Number of staff involved:

• 14 local staff
• The leaders of the community, called mukhtars, were involved by checking every beneficiary whether they actually live in Var City: this team consisted of 7 men and women
• 25 expat volunteers including HOME and OPM staff.

In total the team served around 1130 households. Around 90-100 people did not have the right paper work, so the number of households will likely increase with the next distribution.

The distribution of the hygiene kits took place on 13th of January 2016.

The team distributed hygiene kits to 1110 households. The distribution went fairly smoothly again. The number of staff used was 10 locals all day and 17 expat volunteers that worked in shifts.

The next food distribution was due to take place on Thursday 4th February. They have registered 100 new households since the last distribution.

Thanks again to everyone who has supported this project and especially to those who gave generous donations at the end of 2015. The team on the ground are grateful to the resources they need to deliver these food and hygiene supplies. Although they have sufficient funds for the current distributions there is still a shortfall which needs to be met if they are going to complete all 6 distributions to these families. Our partners are already looking beyond the final set of distributions to determine what the next phase of this project should look like.

Thanks again for your partnership with us. Please continue to share this project with your friends and colleagues.