Hope in Hatay (Part 2)
After several days of hard work in Hatay, Turkey, the Crisis Response Team have done an amazing job at reaching out and providing support to children and family units made vulnerable by the earthquakes.
So many families have had their lives drastically altered by these earthquakes; things will never look the same for them. These events have had a devastating impact, but we are so thankful to be able to bring hope to these children and family units.
CRT spent their last couple days in Hatay continuing to connect with children and families made vulnerable by the earthquakes. They visited several IDP camps where they distributed 260 colourful hand-made blankets to orphaned and displaced children. Although many people have left the area, the team identified several families camping in their backyards amidst the rubble as they didn’t want to leave their homes. We received lists of these families from local people including one of a forty day-old baby whose mother sadly passed away as she was going back into the house for a blanket. The team reconnected the father, who is ill with cancer, with the baby and was also able to run medical checks, give practical aid like nappies and money, and set up a tent all in efforts of stabilizing the family.
Large family tents, hand knitted blankets, emergency foil blankets, toys, hygiene products, generator, water filtration system, lighting, food and emergency cash were given to those in need, depending on their personal situation. The team spent lots of time playing games and having fun with the children as a way of helping them to process and deal with the trauma.
Bence teaching the kids a game of rounders
Because of the team’s efforts and diligence to help those affected, we have now formed strong relationships with local social services. These connections enable us to continue supporting the families after our team leaves which is absolutely critical in ensuring these children’s long-term wellbeing. The Crisis Response Team’s mission is to identify, make safe, and keep safe children recovered in disaster; these partnerships are essential for keeping children safe and we are so proud and grateful to have met and connected with the amazing human beings who are operating on the front lines.
After a long journey, the team has now made it back home safe. We are encouraged by and grateful for all of the support received for this deployment. We are currently regrouping and figuring out the best ways to continue supporting those affected by the earthquakes.
We cannot thank you all enough for enabling us to help the people of Turkey. It is truly an honor to be able to serve and support those who need it most, and we wouldn’t be able to do so without you all. Thank you so very much. As of right now, funds are the most impactful for our response; if you feel called to supporting us in our response to Turkey, our donation links are below:
Keep an eye out on out on social media (linked below) and our website as we share more developments with Turkey. Thank you all so incredibly much for your support!