CRP opened its Downtown Center in October 2018. It gave us a chance to help even more families than before. By assessing the vulnerability of refugees who register for the emergency-assistance programs, CRP is able to identify the families who are the most in need. The most vulnerable go on our monthly list.
Food assistance is not only about putting food in people’s bellies and making sure children can grow healthy and strong but it’s also about relieving the stress of parents and allowing them to focus on other areas of their lives so they can start to heal from the trauma of war.
Having a very large family is another reason why someone might qualify for extra assistance from CRP, and we are aiming to provide these families with support through food vouchers.
An’aam usually buys traditional Sudanese food with her food vouchers. She buys oil, sugar, and milk to have the basics available. Her mother and father are old, they need support because they are ill. “Now when I get a monthly food voucher, I can breathe easier, and feel less stressed. It reduces pressure, and at times when we don’t have food at home it really helps to know that we get the food vouchers ”, she says with a smile on her face.
Nadia, a refugee from Sudan, is expecting a child. She received her third food voucher from CRP, adding that it really helps her get through the day: “Of course it reduces my stress, but unfortunately at the end of the month it is not enough. There are four people in my family. At the beginning of the month we eat around three meals every day, but at the end of the month it covers only one or two meals per day which is not enough. I am pregnant, and because of that I lack iron in my body. My pregnancy has been difficult because my family needs to eat. I can’t drink milk every day, because I need to make sure that the rest of the family is getting food as well.”
Stories like An’aam’s and Nadia’s are not unique. Due to their status as refugees they cannot work or access medical help. Many of those who come to our Downtown Center are in similar situations. By receiving food vouchers, they are independent and are able to regain a sense of control over their lives.
As always, the bulk of your support is going to provide food assistance to those who need it most. Let’s pledge a brighter tomorrow for needy families and donate >here< .