Help us Feed 400 Syrian Refugees

Tens of thousands of Syrians have fled the brutal civil war in their home country. While some were met with kindness, more and more are now facing resentment and ostracism. Thousands are stuck in political crossfire, sweltering in tents at makeshift camps all over Europe. Camps are usually either full or host to a range of problems, including scabies, knife fights, food poisoning, inadequate facilities, snakes and scorpions. In response, activists have been sheltering people in abandoned schools, hotels, apartment buildings and hospitals.  We are travelling to Greece and will be working with one of seven major “squats” in the city where approximately 1,500 refugees have found an alternative to government camps. Barred from legal employment, they survive largely on the mercy of private humanitarian groups who seek them out, providing about one meal per person per day, but with no guarantees as to when they might come again. These humanitarian efforts rely entirely on donations from the rest of us around the world—a task that’s increasingly difficult as donor fatigue sets in.  

 We’re a small, U.S.-based research team, funded by an Australian University to investigate the plight of Syrian refugees in southern Europe. The principle 
investigators are: Tod Schneider, founder of Safe School Design (www.safeschooldesign.com) in Eugene Oregon. James Shraiky, founder of (www.intersct.com) in Phoenix, Arizona, and Danielle Wofford https://www.intersct.com/partners 
, a research associate with InterSCT in Phoenix. 

Our aim is to develop helpful interventions that can change refugees’ circumstances for the better in the long run. Unfortunately, it’s clear that for thousands of Syrians long term planning will be of little comfort—without immediate assistance, they won’t survive much longer. Our trip is slated for the end of March, in partnership with Lifting Hands International (http://www.liftinghandsinternational.org/donate/). 

 LHI, already on site, reports that circumstances are grim. Our goal is to secure food for one squat for a month while strategizing long-term and sustainable solutions for all the squats. Currently, LHI provides one meal a day for the squat, these funds will secure two more meals a day for two months. 

LHI has connected us with the Mayor of the squat, we will carry the funds with us to Athens, immediately purchase all of the meals, and then schedule daily meal delivery. LHI will assist in coordinating all of the transactions and delivery methods.

We are working closely with Lifting Hands International
You can make a difference at this time of desperate need, and because we will be in the squats, we will be in a position to see that your contributions truly get where they are supposed to go. 

 Campaign update: We are thrilled by your extraordinary support! We initially thought aiming for $3,000 was a pretty hefty sum to be raised, but met that goal two weeks ahead of our trip. We’re so pumped that we’ve decided to extend our sights a bit further. The first $3,000 is 100% for food for refugees, as promised. Any additional funds will be used for whatever unforeseen further needs are apparent, such as socks, shoes, medicine, etc. If we meet the new goal, we hope to travel to the Island of Chios to asses refugees needs, the island has become one of the worst entry points for refugees in Europe.  We will be arriving to Athens on March 26th, we will be posting pictures on daily bases!

 
Again, thanks so so much for your generosity!