The Christian humanitarian organization has amassed a large stockpile of supplies, including 10,000 blankets and 5,000 water containers as well as plastic sheets that can be used for temporary shelter. Shipments of clothing, medicine and large tents are scheduled to arrive at key locations near the Iraqi border in the coming days and weeks.

Preparing for the crisis

Anticipating the war and a major humanitarian crisis, World Vision staff traveled in October to countries bordering Iraq to set up partnerships with church and humanitarian organizations already on the ground. “Nobody in humanitarian relief actually operates on their own anymore,” Matthews said. “Everything is done in partnership. World Vision supports food distribution in one camp near the Jordanian border and also will help meet some of the needs in other camps.”

World Vision also established a base in Amman, Jordan. Today, the base’s 14-person staff monitors the refugee crisis and coordinates the agency’s response.

On March 5, World Vision shipped pharmaceuticals by sea to Jordan, for use by refugees. On March 13, a week before hostilities began, World Vision airlifted emergency supplies from its warehouse in Italy to Amman, for use as various border camps. In addition to blankets, water containers and plastic sheets, the shipment included three 10-ton trucks.

On March 21, the agency sent 5,500 pieces of clothing by sea to the Middle East. The load includes sweatshirts, sweatpants and other clothing for both adults and children. Volunteers in Pennsylvania combed through 300 large packing boxes looking for dark-colored items—the only clothing colors accepted by the local culture.

Assisting refugees

Since the onset of fighting on March 20, World Vision has continued to send supplies to border locations. On March 26, trucks laden with relief supplies left World Vision’s Hanover, Germany,
warehouse bound for Al Hasakah, Syria, located near the Iraqi border. The shipment includes water containers, water purifying tablets, hygiene kits, medicine, soap, plastic sheets and large tents. The tents are intended to provide space for clinics and classrooms. The shipment also includes a World Health Organization health kit designed to serve the health needs of 10,000 people for three months.

At Ar-Ruwayshid, about 60 miles west of the Jordan-Iraq border, World Vision staff have helped to establish a “camp kitchen” for non Iraqis – or “third-country nationals” -- fleeing the war-torn nation. So far, the menu has included lentil soup, flat bread, hummus, olives, tea and soft drinks. By March 25, about 370 people had trickled in. The United Nations expects some 60,000 people – most of them male day laborers from Egypt and Sudan -- to arrive at the camp in coming weeks in transit to their home countries.

“The camp is out there in the middle of nowhere,” Matthews said. “I slept there, and even with a couple of blankets it was very cold overnight. During the day it can get very hot.”

Partnerships

World Vision has established partnerships with the Jordanian Red Crescent and Caritas to distribute relief supplies to war refugees in Jordan. The agency also works closely with the Middle East Council of Churches to provide relief for refugees fleeing into Syria. World Vision operates the Ar-Ruwayshid camp kitchen in partnership with the Jordan Evangelical Committee for Relief and Development.

World Vision is also a member of a Jordan-based consortium of non-governmental organizations that seeks to share information and coordinate emergency-preparedness activities at refugee camps throughout the region. Other consortium members include International Medical Corps, Mercy Corps, International Rescue Committee and Save the Children.

CONTACTS: mediainfo@worldvision.org