With increased waves of immigration and local displacement, recipient Turkish governorates are challenged with rising pressures to accommodate the needs of afflicted refugees. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey (AFAD) estimated a number of over 800,000 Syrian refugee in Urfa- between March 2011 and June 2015. Also, Hatay received 250,000 Syrians while Keles has 50,000 individuals. As a quick response, the Turkish government established camps in different border and refugee-receiving governorates. However, its efforts fell short due to the increased displacement rate. The situation was further exacerbated with winter cold waves that threaten refugees’ lives.

Towards this, Beyaz Eller provided 424 tons of heating coal to Syrian refugees in Urfa, Hatay, Keles and Nizip. Distributing 150 kg per family, the project served the needs of 11,160 families: 3,280 in Urfa, 3,280 in Hatay, 3,280 in Keles, and 1,320 in Nizip. The project amounted to 85,000 KWD- thanks to the generous donations. This came under Beyaz Eller’s Shelter and Non-alimentary Aid Program that aims at alleviating the suffering of displaced Syrians, preserving their human dignity and enabling them a sustainable livelihood.