Support a resilient Lebanese Family for a stable Future

Hi, my name is Joyce, I am a 52-year-old Lebanese woman, mom, and hard worker. How do I end up asking for your help? Well, it all began five years ago, with my devastating layoff from the prestigious AUBMC (American University of Beirut's Medical Center). I had invested all my energy and time in securing a job there, drawn by the remarkable educational and health benefits they offered. However, fate had a different plan. Just as I found stability, the COVID-19 crisis struck, resulting in the layoff of over 800 employees, including myself.

This unexpected turn of events shattered my dreams of providing the best education for my children and left us without health insurance. I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to withdraw them from their school, compromising their educational opportunities. As a mother of two and the only supporter of the house, I had to navigate the challenges alone.

My eldest, (20 years old) determined, and wise beyond his years, has managed to become financially independent, covering his basic needs such as transportation to his university, clothes, and other daily requirements.

However, my 16-year-old daughter faces difficulties with transportation too, hindering her attendance at important events and appointments. It pains me to see her struggle, worried about who will pick her up or drop her off. It breaks my heart not being able to give her what she want she just nods and accepts what she gets.

To make ends meet, I have taken on multiple jobs, teaching students online, working as a call center agent and creating and selling crochet pieces, all while maintaining our household. But the economic recession and hyperinflation have made these tasks increasingly difficult. The combined income I earn barely covers our living expenses.

The situation is further exacerbated by the skyrocketing petrol prices and the eviction decision of our landlord by the end of summer. Every moment feels agonizing, and I am reaching out to you now, as my last hope.

1. The economic situation in Lebanon (hyperinflation $1 --> 94,000 Lebanese pounds)

2. Petrol prices soaring. Gas tank 2 million Lebanese pounds = 21.27 Dollars

3. avg salary is around 6 million LBP and that is if you have a job in the first place = 63.82 dollars

4. if calculated correctly, people must pay 100%-120% of their salary to work if they are residing in a relatively far away area from the city Beirut. That is a net loss!! (This is with the consideration of a single person per car))

5. Public Transportation is not any better. 1 day of work from the village to Beirut -> 300,000lbp. x26 days = 7,800,000million Lebanese pounds monthly = 82.97 dollars

With your support, I aim to purchase a van or big car for my family, not only will it provide us with reliable transportation it will help us find a house for rent in a location with acceptable rental fees not worrying about the transportation method or having to walk several miles to use the public transportation and by using the car also to create an opportunity to generate income. We plan to offer transportation services to others who live like us in the village and follow their work or university in Beirut such as ride-sharing enabling us to secure a stable future and alleviate our financial burdens.

The project will start with the intention of helping one family, but we want to break the cycle of poverty and lead better lives. In the future, we hope to help more families and communities. The goal is to create a sustainable solution that will benefit multiple families and communities in the long run.

By reaching our goal of $30,000, we can acquire a van or big car capable of accommodating up to 12 or 8 passengers. This additional income would address our pressing needs, including house rent, utility bills, winter heating fuel (as we live in the mountains), education, transportation, healthcare expenses, medication, clothing, and unforeseen emergencies.

Your contribution, whether it is a donation or simply sharing our story, will make a meaningful difference in our lives. Your support will inspire us to work harder, reach higher, and pay it forward. We will forever be grateful for your kindness and generosity.

In the face of adversity, we hold firm in our belief in the power of solidarity and the strength of individuals empowering each other. Today, we are not simply asking for charity; we are reaching out to build a community of solidarity. We long to rekindle the spirit of generosity that binds us together, igniting hope as we strive to obtain the tools, we need to continue our fight.