Albania

In late 2019, a powerful earthquake struck Albania, leaving thousands of people without homes, food, medicine, electricity and warm clothes. Immediately after this tragedy, we traveled to the site to assess the needs and options for assistance. Based on our findings, other colleagues joined in January to help in areas where official assistance had either not arrived or was insufficient. We focused on families whose homes had been destroyed and who were living in tents or other unsustainable conditions. We also provided assistance to those who had lost income or had a family member with a disability. In total, we helped 136 people, from children to seniors. We gave each family €206 in financial assistance to cover their most urgent needs, 40% of which was for winter protection. In total, we handed over EUR 5 352 in this way.