Syrian Refugees in Jordan Receive Assistance as Winter Closes In

The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), is distributing much needed items to Syrian refugees in Jordan

THE Salvation Army, in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), is distributing much needed items to Syrian refugees in Jordan and also to Jordanian families who have been adversely affected by the influx of refugees.

With a comprehensive assessment of more than 1,500 families complete, and the most vulnerable having been identified, the winterisation distribution programme commenced on 2 December 2013. The priority was for widows with children and people with disabilities.

During the initial distribution period, which concluded on 11 December, The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services (IES) and LWF team members delivered goods to 630 families living in the Al Mafraq area. Under the winterisation programme each family received a gas room heater, gas bottle and coupons for refilling. Hygiene kits containing shampoo, soap, detergent, toothbrushes and paste, as well as hand sanitiser, soap, powder and feminine hygiene items were also distributed. Each family also received a carpet and five blankets, and those with children received clothing. The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) partnered with The Salvation Army to provide warehouse space for the products, which proved most helpful from a safety and security perspective.

In recent days the weather has changed, with rain and cold wind causing additional challenges. A temporary shelter was erected to protect goods and people from the elements. The winter weather pattern confirms that the essential items distributed will be used immediately and no doubt for weeks to come during the winter period.

Care and concern for others is the hallmark of The Salvation Army's IES programme. Thanks is not expected, but many of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the number and quality of the items given to them, which was heartening. For the Salvation Army and LWF team members, it was good to see people move back into the community equipped to some extent to deal with the conditions they face during the winter months.

Report by the Communications Section
International Headquarters

Discover more

Adults and children sing in a family choir
Denmark and Greenland
The General

Guided by God’s compass

A festival of faith, family and forward movement in Denmark

Faith-Based Facilitation
Strategy and impact

Faith-Based Facilitation

Faith-Based Facilitation is a way of helping people think, talk, explore and respond to issues in the light of faith.

Volunteers unload supplies from a Salvation Army emergency vehicle
Emergency response
USA Southern

The Salvation Army responds to catastrophic Texas floods

Emergency Disaster Services teams are working around the clock to provide meals, drinks and emotional and spiritual care to communities in Central Texas, USA, following the devastating flooding of the Guadalupe River.

World map with countries highlighted in different colours
Strategy and impact

World Map

A downloadable map showing countries in which The Salvation Army is at work.

A group of young Salvationists in front of the exhibition 'Transforming lives for 160 years'
International Headquarters

Salvation Army celebrates 160 years; anticipates powerful future

Transforming lives and communities since 1865

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Spot the Signs

Driven by poverty, conflict, persecution – and the global demand for cheap goods, labour and sex – modern slavery and human trafficking are thriving worldwide. Yes, even in your own community.

Victims often can’t ask for help. They rely on others – on