IOM Provides Winter Cash Assistance for Syrian Refugees in Jordan

Winters in Jordan are harsh. Temperatures drop, and most houses are not made to sustain cold and rainy weather. It becomes even more challenging to meet basic needs, keep warm and cope with the increasing living costs, especially for displaced persons.

Ebtisam is originally from the city of Dar’a, Syria. Like many other Syrians, Ebtisam was forced to flee in 2013 when the conflict escalated. She fled to Jordan and now lives in the northern governorate of Irbid with her two sons and their families.

In Dar’a, she had a stable life. Ebtisam’s husband used to work for a water company and had a regular source of income which allowed them to cover the expenses of the whole family. However, their displacement has affected the entire household. They started to face countless challenges since their arrival in Jordan.

“I feel comfortable here in Jordan, but it is very expensive. Just the rent is 150 Jordanian dinars for an apartment. I also have three children living with me, and every week we need a new gas cylinder for heating,” said Ebtisam.

High prices of basic goods, medicines, rent, electricity bills, and water are among Ebtisam’s biggest concerns. Each day is a challenge, and during winter, it gets even more difficult to keep up with expenses.

“IOM’s assistance helped us and improved our living conditions”, said Ebtisam. She received a one-time winter cash grant so she and her family could meet their most basic winter needs such as purchasing heaters, gas cylinders, and buying blankets.

Ebtisam hopes for a brighter future and spares no effort to support her family.

In 2019, IOM Jordan winter cash assistance programme was funded by the Government of Kuwait and the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been assisting vulnerable Syrians for the past decade, providing essential relief for those who have fled Syria’s borders and for those who remain inside the country. But we need your help to do more. Support IOM’s work in Syria, Donate now

This story was written by LUKOVAC Fedza, IOM Jordan Media and Communications Officer

IOM’s Global Crisis Response Platform provides an overview of IOM’s plans and funding requirements to respond to the evolving needs and aspirations of those impacted by, or at risk of, crisis and displacement in 2022 and beyond. The Platform is regularly updated as crises evolve, and new situations emerge.