Since the outbreak of the conflict in Syria in 2011, thousands of displaced people have poured into the capital, Damascus. The city, ravaged by war and frequent attacks, still struggles to meet the needs of all its inhabitants.
Directly affected by the conflict and largely destroyed, Damascus is paying a very high price today, especially due to the sanctions imposed by Europe on Syria: access to basic necessities is difficult, unemployment is rampant, and the economic situation shows no signs of improvement.
Pro Terra Sancta has established an Emergency Center at the Franciscan convent in Bab Touma, Damascus. Thanks to the center, thousands of people have had access to vouchers for the purchase of food and medicine, as well as for diesel for electricity and heating, support for medical prescriptions, clothes, detergents, hygiene products, diapers, and powdered milk for babies. The purchase of vouchers is made possible through agreements the Association has made with around ten local grocery stores and pharmacies. Beneficiaries are identified and followed according to a criteria of urgency: their financial situation, the number of family members, and the presence of vulnerable members or those with special needs (elderly, children, disabled persons) are evaluated, with priority given to single mothers, widows, or those with husbands at the front lines.
In 2023, 1,635 people were supported through the distribution of food items, and 550 received supplies of medicine; 1,980 people received assistance to pay for heating fuel, and approximately 300 families benefited from infant products.
The assistance center also covers medical expenses for surgical operations and specialist exams, a service that has helped about 190 people, and provides funds to offer scholarships and replenish school supplies; the educational aspect is never secondary in Pro Terra Sancta's projects because, in addition to survival, the organization cares about the education and growth of future generations.
