Just over six months ago on August 4, 2020, a catastrophic port explosion rocked Beirut like an earthquake. Images of the blast spread across the world. And the immediate outpouring of generous support from our Mercy Corps community was truly inspiring. The areas most affected by the explosion were home to many small businesses critical to the city’s economy. Our response prioritized the most vulnerable businesses — Lebanese-owned micro and small enterprises that serve as a lifeline for local communities. Our team in Lebanon created this video so you could meet a few of them and hear their stories. 
Mercy Corps provided cash assistance to nearly 100 affected businesses so they could repair and reopen. This assistance can positively affect multiple aspects of people’s lives. One Beirut neighborhood business owner shared:
At Mercy Corps, we know that responding to a disaster can mean providing immediate assistance with things like food, clean water and shelter. It can also mean looking to the future with a focus on rebuilding the physical, social, environmental and economic components of a community. For countries like Lebanon that are already in crisis when a catastrophe strikes, this long-term response is vital because recovery may not be possible without it. Mercy Corps teams are working in partnership with motivated small business owners to recover from immediate crises and thrive into the future — in Lebanon and in more than 40 countries worldwide. We appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement, and thank you for being part of our global community. With appreciation, Rafael Velasquez Mercy Corps Country Director, Lebanon |
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