- Situation/background info
Several decades of war, civil strife, flash floods, and severe drought have devastated Helmand province. Public and private institutions are mostly in disarray with extremely limited resources at their disposal. These have had a devastating effect on range vegetation, as well as on the availability of feed from grain and crop residues, especially in rain-fed areas.
The cumulative impact of conflict and natural disaster-driven shocks; loss of employment and reduced income; and elevated food prices have resulted in high levels of food insecurity and eroded livelihoods in Helmand province. The food security situation remains alarming, with 95% of people having insufficient food consumption. Helmand is among the provinces most affected by flash floods, drought, and armed conflict. The food security situation for those acutely vulnerable in urban settings is also serious. The 2022 SFSA findings show that 71.46% of the urban populations have poor and 27.96% have borderline food consumption scores.
One of the response priorities in IPC 2022 is the urgent action required to save lives, protect livelihoods, and reduce food consumption gaps for populations classified in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and IPC Phase 3 (Crisis).
- Program/project activities
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has intensified due to recent natural disasters, including floods and droughts, as well as ongoing restrictions on women’s education and employment. This crisis is compounded by rising unemployment, which has led to the displacement of over 1 million people and worsened instability. Additionally, sanctions on the Afghan banking system have disrupted development activities and resulted in widespread job losses.
The 2024 Afghanistan ICCT Winter Prioritization Plan highlights that shelter needs are a critical concern, particularly in the provinces of Helmand, Takhar, and Sarepul. According to the plan, over 30% of households nationwide have inadequate shelters, facing issues like roof damage and lack of insulation. This vulnerability has been further compounded by recent floods, which have damaged or destroyed over 19,100 homes across the country since the start of 2024. Many flood-affected families in Helmand, Takhar, and Sarepul remain in substandard temporary shelters, unable to repair or rebuild before winter. Additionally, the influx of nearly 679,000 Afghan returnees from Pakistan has placed significant strain on shelter resources, with 83% of these returnees reporting shelter as their top priority need. Some have settled in the priority provinces, further straining the already limited shelter capacities.
- Results/impacts
In Helmand, 720 households will receive a one-time cash payment for heating materials ($200), winter clothing ($74), and in-kind blankets equivalent to ($57), with priority given to disabled individuals and female-headed households.
This assistance is a highly valuable and impactful initiative for the 720 poor families in Lashkar Gah of Helmand province for the years 2024 and 2025. It has particularly benefited disabled individuals and female-headed households who were recipients of this project. One of the beneficiaries mentioned, “Previously, I did not receive any assistance from non-governmental organizations as no one supported me. If I receive this assistance, the winter season will be warmer, and my family members will have winter clothing.”
- Conclusion/Restatement
In conclusion, the winterization assistance provide to homeless families in Lashkar Gah of Helmand province has a significant impact on their lives. The female-headed households and vulnerable women who are beneficiaries of this project will able to obtain warm winter heating materials, winter clothing, and blankets for their families, preventing them from suffering in the cold this winter. The winterization support will provide immediate relief to these families during the harsh winter season. Overall, winterization support in Lashkar Gah has successfully empower homeless families, particularly widows, by providing them with heating materials, winter clothing, and blankets. It has greatly reduced poverty in the community and contributed to the overall development and well-being of the families involved.
- Quotes from beneficiaries and quality photos with captions
The primary outcome of this project is the provision of support during the winter season to 720 homeless, vulnerable families in Lashkar Gah of Helmand province through the distribution of winterization support packages. These packages aim to empower the families to care for themselves and alleviate their poverty by providing winter materials. This project ensures that the most affected communities receive timely assistance that meets their specific needs. A recent assessment by WoAA (2023) indicates that 30% of households lack adequate shelter, and urgent interventions are required to address the increasing vulnerabilities as winter approaches.
One of the beneficiaries, BiBi Hanzala D/O Abdul Aziz, a 37-year-old widow residing in Safiyan village, Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, shared her experience. She supports a family of 12 individuals, with the burden of caring for her children solely falling on her shoulders. BiBi Hanzala explained that she used to be impoverished, relying on work in neighbors’ homes and receiving zakat (charitable donations) to feed and meet her family’s needs. She expressed that after the unfortunate passing of her husband, she faced numerous hardships and struggles. She described these challenges as deeply painful, particularly for a woman. Fortunately, our community mobilizer conducted a comprehensive survey in collaboration with village elders and leaders, and BiBi Hanzala was identified as eligible for the winterization support.
When she receives this assistance, she will notice a significant positive change in her and her children’s lives. By receiving assistance, she will have a warm winter this year. The winterization support will cover all her family’s winter materials. With newfound self-sufficiency, BiBi Hanzala expresses delight in receive the winterization package and extends her heartfelt gratitude. She hopes that similar aid programs will continue to increase in the future, benefitting both widows and homeless families. This sustained support will empower these families to become self-sufficient, breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence on the charity of others.
