[ [link removed] ]Mercy Corps

Dear friend,

There is
no end in sight to the drought afflicting the Horn of Africa region, where
at least 18.4 million people — including 10 million children — are facing
severe food shortages and require urgent humanitarian aid. The food crisis
here has accelerated with rising food prices due to the war in Ukraine and
people are in desperate need of lifesaving aid.

I was born in Kenya, where the drought is affecting over 80% of the
country. Now as a member of the Mercy Corps team, I’m working with people
in the Samburu region where I was raised. From my ties to the local
community, I deeply understand the challenges we’re facing as well as the
resilience of the people here.

This is why, although I am heartbroken for the people of Kenya, I am also
filled with hope.

Part of my role at Mercy Corps is providing cash assistance for women,
helping them create income-generating activities or start savings groups.
Cash assistance supports people in an efficient, sustainable, and
dignified way. It allows people to make their own decisions about what
they need and when, bridging the gap between short-term aid and long-term
recovery.


[ [link removed] ][IMG]
Nareu Letwambalives in the Samburu region with her mother and three
children. Every morning, she walks 8 kilometers to fetch water. Nareu
received cash assistance from Mercy Corps, and has bought materials to
build her own home.


In Kenya, Mercy Corps is providing cash assistance to enable 2,700
drought-affected families to meet their basic needs including food and
water.

We are also providing increased access to water supply through borehole
repairs, installation of water vending machines, cleaning of waterholes,
and more.


[ [link removed] ][IMG]
Kompoi Leakono is a community leader in Samburu, where she guides women in
a traditional water ceremony to pray for an end to droughts.


I recently participated in a water ceremony at a local reservoir where,
for hours, women prayed, sang, and splashed milk in the air as they raised
their voices to the sky. I could feel their power and strength in my heart
as I joined in. For a moment, I had forgotten that I was there for work,
and I was enveloped by the passion of the songs we sang together. The
drought has affected each person differently, while the impact is felt
widely by all.


[ [link removed] ][IMG]
Florence, at the center, joined the women from surrounding villages in a
ceremony praying for rain in Kenya.


Mercy Corps not only provides immediate relief through cash and water
distribution — we address the root issues exacerbating the effects of the
drought.

We’re working closely with community leaders to promote peace and resolve
conflicts about how resources such as grazing land and water sources are
shared. We’re also investing in the long-term welfare of women and girls
by improving access to education, agricultural skills for farmers, and
financial literacy for small business owners so that a better future
awaits beyond this crisis.

As a member of our
community, we know
you’re willing to do what it takes to support families facing crisis build
toward a stronger future.

[ [link removed] ]With your support, Mercy Corps will continue to develop innovative
solutions that help people build a better life.


[ [link removed] ]Give now [ [link removed] ]▸


Thank you again for helping families in Kenya and in 40+ countries around
the world who are facing and overcoming severe crises. Together, we’re
making a real difference.

Sincerely,

[8]Florence Nasieku Lesoloyia Florence Nasieku Lesoloyia
Sr. Private Sector Engagement & Financial
Inclusion Officer

P.S. Please [ [link removed] ]click here to read more about my experience working in my
home country and how we’re helping families through this crisis.

[ [link removed] ]DONATE

[ Facebook ]Facebook [ Twitter ]Twitter [ Instagram ]Instagram [ LinkedIn ]LinkedIn [ YouTube ]YouTube

[ [link removed] ]mercycorps.org | [ tel:+18887477440 ](888) 747‑7440 | Portland, OR

Mercy Corps, Dept. W, National Processing Center
P.O. Box 37800, Boone, IA 50037-4800

© 2022 [ [link removed] ]Mercy Corps
[ [link removed] ]Privacy Policy | [ [link removed] ]Manage Preferences | [ [link removed] ]Unsubscribe


You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time:
[link removed]