Winter in Lebanon: A season of hardship and compassionate action

Winter in Lebanon can be beautiful, with snow-capped mountains and crisp air. But for the thousands of families living in refugee camps or struggling in impoverished communities, it’s a season of harsh realities. As temperatures drop, the challenges of staying warm and safe become life-threatening.

For the vulnerable, especially refugees who have fled conflict and hardship in Palestine and Syria, winter is not a time of festive cheer—it’s a time of survival. At UK Care for Children (UKC4C), we recognise the urgent needs of these communities and are dedicated to bringing warmth and hope during the cold months.

The Challenges of Winter in Lebanon

Lebanon’s geography means that its winters can be both enchanting and unforgiving. The mountains are a magnet for tourists and adventurers, who come to enjoy skiing in Faraya or the serene beauty of the Cedars. Yet, just kilometres away, families struggle to keep warm as temperatures plunge. This disparity underscores Lebanon’s broader socio-economic challenges, where economic instability and political crises exacerbate seasonal hardships.

For many families, access to heating and warm clothing is a luxury. This is particularly true for the nearly 2 million refugees in the country, many of whom live in informal settlements with little protection against the elements. Winter storms often destroy makeshift tents, leaving families exposed to freezing conditions. In addition, rising fuel prices have made heating unaffordable for countless households, forcing them to rely on unsafe alternatives like burning wood or plastic for warmth.

The impact of Lebanon’s winters is felt most acutely by those facing significant challenges. Refugee families struggle to provide basic necessities, and children are at risk of respiratory illnesses due to cold, damp living conditions. Older adults living in rural areas, far from social services, often suffer in silence, unable to afford the heating or healthcare they desperately need.

The country’s ongoing economic crisis has made these problems even worse. Power outages, limited access to affordable healthcare, and a dwindling supply of humanitarian aid all contribute to the sense of urgency as winter sets in. Schools, which should provide a refuge for children, often lack adequate heating, leaving students to brave freezing classrooms.

During the winter months, UKC4C works to ensure that vulnerable families in Lebanon have the resources they need to endure the cold. With the support of compassionate donors, we provide essential items that make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.

Our support for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon during the winter includes:

• Warm Clothing: Distributing winter coats, scarves, gloves, and boots to children and adults.
• Blankets and Bedding: Ensuring families have heavy blankets and sleeping mats to stay warm at night.
• Heating Fuel and Stoves: Providing families with the means to heat their shelters safely.
• Food Assistance: Supplying nutritious food parcels to families struggling to put meals on the table.
• Emergency Shelter Repairs: Helping to insulate and waterproof shelters to protect families from the harsh elements.

Help us support more Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon by making a donation.