MEMORANDUM

Main outline of the humanitarian actions led by the "Assembly of the Sons of the Church".

1-Being aware of the poverty that has widely spread among the Lebanese people, the Assembly started in 1999 in kind food distribution on the roads (bread, milk powder, several kinds of cereals, canned food etc..) to families in need.

2-In the beginning of 2002, the Assembly rented a humble office in Nabaa where it settled as to keep providing these families with the same food supplies and to ensure medical treatment to extremely needy individuals.

3-May 2004 : the opening of its refectory, "Sons of Mary", destined to offer 3 free meals per day to a considerable number of people (adults and children), duly listed in its records, and who lack of means to provide for themselves.

4-At present, the Assembly provides these individuals, without any religious or other distinctions, with the following :

4.1-Monday to Saturday included :

-Breakfast – Attendance : 50 to 70 persons (one glass of milk is a must for every child under the age of 11)

-Lunch – Attendance : 100 to 120 persons.

-Dinner – Attendance : 60 to 70 persons

-110 portions / lunches to senile and sick people who cannot move, and whose relatives come to bring them food for their homes.

4.2-Every 45 days :

a)Distribution of a food "basket" in kind to 110 families.

b)Sending the same food "basket" (+ personal hygiene kit and medicine) to 45 families living in villages in North Lebanon, mainly old couples whose children and relatives have emigrated following the war and due to the country's bad economic situation.

4.3-A 1.8 kg milk box per child every month, for a present total number of 45 children under the age of 4.

4.4-Two 900g special milk boxes per child every week, for a present total number of 12 children (with absence of age limit and taking into consideration the pediatrician's opinion).

4.5-Medicine for 9 persons suffering from chronic deseases, as well as for other sick people every now and then. (Remark : the montly pharmaceutical bill paid by the Assembly is at present 600.000 LBP or USD 400)

4.6-Hospitalisation, in emergency cases, of a maximum of a dozen people per

year, considering th financial constraints.

4.7-In case of extreme emergency, small financial aids to some insolvents families.

5- Taking in of some families

The Assembly since 2003 is taking in some families in a building it rented opposite its center in Nabaa. At present, the occupation of that building is as follows :

-a couple with 10 children (muslim sunni) in one apartment

-a woman and her 3 children (maronite) abandonned by the father, in one

apartment

-a couple and their baby (armenian orthodox) in one apartment

-a gentleman (druze) in one room

-3 gentlemen (maronite) in one room

-an old woman (greek orthodox) abandoned by her family in one room with

kitchen

-a gentleman (muslim sunni) with health problems in one room

The reason religion is mentioned here is only to stress undistinction as well as commun life between the communities.

6- Help to homeless

The Assembly on December 15, 2004 launched a "van of charity" that runs every night from Monday to Saturday included, in help to homeless sleeping in several streets and squares. It's fitted up with sandwiches, soup, milk, coffee, nescafe and tea. Blankets are distributed during winter. Some basic medicines are also distributed for the homeless in case they have headache, flu, colic, diarrhea and vomiting. About 130 homeless (between 60 and 74) have been already contacted. In order to improve their hygiene and health conditions, the Assembly rented a small apartment where showers are being set for them. They will be able to take shower and change their clothes.

7- Marie Madeleine hostel

In the same street of its center in Nabaa, the Assembly rented a ground floor (3 appartments) that is being converted into hostel for rehabilitation of young girls, majority of them underage, who turned to prostitution. The "van of charity" team discovered these girls at night in different streets. The main reason they turned to such a life is extreme poverty and serious misunderstanding with their families. Their rehabilitation will be undertaken with Good Pastor Sisters cooperation and supervision. It will include psychological orientation, computing, some cultural activities, and teaching of a job in a technical scool if possible.

8- Clothes section

In another rented apartment of 3 rooms, the Assembly since July 2004 has a clothes and shoes section for men, women and children. Large quantities of these items come as donations, and a woman takes care of washing, drying, ironing, classifiying and distributing to all people who need them.

August 11, 2005

William Zarzour

Humanitarian Actions Manager