Lebanon
Meeting humanitarian needs
Lebanon is home to the highest concentration of refugees per capita in the world, including some 1.5 million people exiled from Syria. The economy has collapsed, public services are fractured, and new refugee arrivals have been denied registration, becoming 'invisible' in the system.
Dorcas delivers emergency humanitarian aid, psychosocial support and community-based protection across all corners of Lebanon, while also focusing on entrepreneurial skills training and community-owned structures.
Population: 5.2 million · Poverty rate: 44% · Our reach in 2024: 162,364 people
Lebanon in Distress
Lebanon is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis due to escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel. Widespread attacks have affected Beirut, Keserwan, Jbeil and the Bekaa Valley. Dorcas Lebanon provides immediate humanitarian assistance to those affected.
Overview
We work across all corners of Lebanon to deliver emergency humanitarian aid, psychosocial support and community-based protection. Our programmes also focus on entrepreneurial skills training. We prioritise community-owned structures to ensure lasting impact.
Food Security
Led by Mary's Meals, we provide school meals and food vouchers to the most vulnerable households. This programme ensures that families facing economic hardship can still access nutritious food and that children can focus on their education.
Entrepreneurship
We provide entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills training for marginalised refugee and local women. These programmes also help women and youth find purpose, reducing stress and depression through meaningful economic activity and social connection.
Community-Based Protection
We provide psychosocial support through community centres, helping people process trauma. Our programmes address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prevention through awareness sessions, and we offer free legal services to those in need.
Reconciliation and Recovery
Through group conversations and training, we bring together Syrian refugees and the Lebanese host population to resolve tensions. Intergenerational activities and community events help build bridges and foster mutual understanding.
Dorcas Community Centres: Salvation in War
Since the Syria war, Lebanon's population has nearly doubled. Syrian refugees now make up a third of the population. The deteriorating economy has created rising tensions between host and refugee communities. Women and children face particular threats: early marriage, forced labour and abduction.
Dorcas Community Centres provide a safe haven where people can access support, education and psychosocial care.
Meet our Country Director
Najla Chahda - Country Director Lebanon
'Breaking the taboo around psychosocial support is one of our greatest achievements. I have lived through armed attacks myself, and I know how important it is to talk about what you have experienced. Our community centres give people the space to heal and hope for a better future.'
Our partners
Dorcas works together with local partners and international organisations in Lebanon.
- Tabitha
- Palestinian Women Humanitarian Organisation (PWHO)
- Migration for Services and Development (MSD)
- Druze Women Association
- Daughters of Charity / Saint Vincent de Paul Center
- MOSA
- Messages de Paix
- LSBD
- Rotary Club of Baabda
- UNFPA
- UNOCHA
- Mary's Meals Foundation
- Ministry of Social Affairs
- Mission East
- Dutch Relief Alliance
- Christian Emergency Aid Cluster
- Terre des Hommes
- World Vision
- Expertise France
- World Food Programme
- Netherlands Red Cross
- International Rescue Committee
- IOM
Contact Dorcas Lebanon
Address
Baabda (near main entrance of hospital Sacre Coeur, next to EBL), Beirut, Lebanon
Phone
+961 25 954461 / +961 25 954462
Downloads
Download our publications about Dorcas Lebanon.