| Collateral Repair Project What is a 'Micro-Project' ? |
Micro-projects are one-time purchases of equipment and
supplies that enable Iraqi refugees to work for themselves, in
the safety of their homes so that they can help provide for
their families.
These projects are not only successful in bringing in desperately
needed income, but we constantly hear from recipients that their
lives have changed dramatically: days that were previously filled with
grief for what they had endured in war-torn Iraq and mourning what
they have lost are now filled with useful work.
supplies that enable Iraqi refugees to work for themselves, in
the safety of their homes so that they can help provide for
their families.
These projects are not only successful in bringing in desperately
needed income, but we constantly hear from recipients that their
lives have changed dramatically: days that were previously filled with
grief for what they had endured in war-torn Iraq and mourning what
they have lost are now filled with useful work.
How CRP determines who receives Micro-Projects":
With up to a million Iraqi refugees in Jordan alone and because of our limited funding, we cannot
provide Micro-projects for all who want them. Our Amman Team receives calls every day from
refugees who have heard about our project and who beg to be included. Unfortunately, we
recently had to set criteria for determining who is eligible. We make an initial visit with the family in
their home to hear their stories and to determine if they are eligible
Criteria:
With up to a million Iraqi refugees in Jordan alone and because of our limited funding, we cannot
provide Micro-projects for all who want them. Our Amman Team receives calls every day from
refugees who have heard about our project and who beg to be included. Unfortunately, we
recently had to set criteria for determining who is eligible. We make an initial visit with the family in
their home to hear their stories and to determine if they are eligible
Criteria:
- All members of the household must be Iraqi and without legal residency - or the ability to get it - in
Jordan - They must have entered Jordan as refugees after and as a result of the US-led invasion in 2003
- They must be in financial need
- Priority is given to the most vulnerable: families with young children & those with extreme medical
costs & the elderly. We consider how many people will benefit from every granted project. - Applicants must have a clear vision of what their Micro-project should be and how they can
market their product or service in a sufficient manner that it will provide income for their family
This project is vitally necessary as Iraqis, as non-residents of Jordan, are barred from employment. Most Iraqis who fled to Jordan sold or left behind all that they
owned when they left Iraq. Some brought meager savings to live on. Some were able to sell their homes or cars. Iraqi women have sold their gold jewelry - their "life
savings". Most thought that they would only have to be away from their homes in Iraq for a few months at most, "until things got better" - but, instead of improving, the
security situation has worsened and return is not an option. Those "few months" have turned into "years". It is now estimated that 80% of Iraqis in Jordan have
exhausted all of their savings and are facing extreme destitution.
Although a limited number of the most needy are given a small monthly cash grant through UN funding ( less than $200 per month for a family of four), it is insufficient to
cover the high cost of living in Jordan. For those that do not receive these grants, there are no options except illegal and temporary work which often results in them
being exploited by unscrupulous employers. Iraqis who work without residency also risk being caught up in raids on illegal employment situations which result in arrest and
many times, forced return to Iraq -- a certain death sentence for most.
owned when they left Iraq. Some brought meager savings to live on. Some were able to sell their homes or cars. Iraqi women have sold their gold jewelry - their "life
savings". Most thought that they would only have to be away from their homes in Iraq for a few months at most, "until things got better" - but, instead of improving, the
security situation has worsened and return is not an option. Those "few months" have turned into "years". It is now estimated that 80% of Iraqis in Jordan have
exhausted all of their savings and are facing extreme destitution.
Although a limited number of the most needy are given a small monthly cash grant through UN funding ( less than $200 per month for a family of four), it is insufficient to
cover the high cost of living in Jordan. For those that do not receive these grants, there are no options except illegal and temporary work which often results in them
being exploited by unscrupulous employers. Iraqis who work without residency also risk being caught up in raids on illegal employment situations which result in arrest and
many times, forced return to Iraq -- a certain death sentence for most.
Once determined to be eligible, we put the families' stories on our web site, along with their photos and the total
amount needed to fund their project. These stories remain on the web site approximately 1 month so that our
donors can contribute. Currently, with the economic downturn impacting donations, we have reduced the number of
families that need funding down to 5 per month instead of the 10 we had previously.
When funds have been raised to pay for their projects, we take the family shopping to purchase the items they need
for their Micro-Project. *We do not give them the cash as it is easy, when faced with so many challenges, for families to be
tempted to use the funds for other critical needs they have*
After receiving their items, we ask them to sign a receipt and agreement. The agreement states that they will not sell
their Micro-Project items. We ask that they call us to retrieve them to give to another family if they get asylum to a
third country or return to Iraq. We tell them to call our Amman Team if they are facing economic challenges that might
tempt them to sell the items - our Amman Team can look for other solutions for them, including using our 'Emergency
Funds' for one-time emergency needs.
We ask them if they would like to make a statement to our donors. They always express sincere gratitude for their
Micro-Project, often with tear-filled eyes. We tell them that their items are from Americans and those from other
nations who have deep sorrow for their losses resulting from the invasion and occupation of their country. They
inevitably all say that they know that the American people are good people and that it is our government they hold
accountable.
We follow-up with monthly visits or phone calls to find out how well their Micro-project is providing them with income
and advise them on ways they might increase its success if they are not doing well.
amount needed to fund their project. These stories remain on the web site approximately 1 month so that our
donors can contribute. Currently, with the economic downturn impacting donations, we have reduced the number of
families that need funding down to 5 per month instead of the 10 we had previously.
When funds have been raised to pay for their projects, we take the family shopping to purchase the items they need
for their Micro-Project. *We do not give them the cash as it is easy, when faced with so many challenges, for families to be
tempted to use the funds for other critical needs they have*
After receiving their items, we ask them to sign a receipt and agreement. The agreement states that they will not sell
their Micro-Project items. We ask that they call us to retrieve them to give to another family if they get asylum to a
third country or return to Iraq. We tell them to call our Amman Team if they are facing economic challenges that might
tempt them to sell the items - our Amman Team can look for other solutions for them, including using our 'Emergency
Funds' for one-time emergency needs.
We ask them if they would like to make a statement to our donors. They always express sincere gratitude for their
Micro-Project, often with tear-filled eyes. We tell them that their items are from Americans and those from other
nations who have deep sorrow for their losses resulting from the invasion and occupation of their country. They
inevitably all say that they know that the American people are good people and that it is our government they hold
accountable.
We follow-up with monthly visits or phone calls to find out how well their Micro-project is providing them with income
and advise them on ways they might increase its success if they are not doing well.
What Next?
| Salwa signing the receipt & agreement |
| Amman Team member, Manal, interviewing Hakeema |
| Ahmed received tools for decorative woodworking to support his family |
| Salwa's obvious joy at receiving her Micro-Project |
| More families are waiting for your assistance to help them get on their feet and able to provide an income for their families. Please help. You CAN make a difference. |
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| Unlike ‘micro-financing’ our micro-projects are grants; there is no requirement of repayment. Iraqis in Jordan without legal residency do not have the same ability to build a thriving, enduring business as do people living in their own countries, as citizens. They cannot employ others, advertise or rent a shop. |