“Rise Build Beirut:” An initiative helping post the Beirut Blast
International humanitarian aid has started flowing into Lebanon, after the Beirut explosion on Aug. 4. However, some local effective initiatives have also played a major role in Lebanon. Rise Build Beirut initiative was launched following the devastating explosion.
“It has started as an individual initiative and it’s growing beyond individual initiative nowadays,” Elie Hanna, the founder and lead architect of the initiative Rise Build Beirut, says.
The initiative bonds a group of architects, engineers, interior designers, project managers, suppliers, and volunteers by offering their expertise and managing donations to efficiently cope with the reconstruction project of damaged houses in the most deprived areas.
“This initiative is sustainable and we’re doing so good so far,” Hanna says. “The selection criteria is based on the level of damage and the vulnerability of the residents.”
Hanna felt an insistent need to give a helping hand and make Beirut rise again.
“The winter season is near and residents of those houses are looking forward to having safe and warm shelters before it starts to rain,” Hanna explains.
Rise Build Beirut collaborated with a governmental entity to accelerate their work.
“We collaborated with Beirut FER (Forward Emergency Room) under the supervision of the Lebanese Army,” Hanna says.
The initiative is receiving generous supports from different sources, both locally and international, and continues with its unified efforts to serve a big community.
“Who loves Beirut will find always a way to give it sympathy and care,” Hanna concludes.
References:
Build Rise Beirut (n.d.) Retreived from http://risebuildbeirut.org/
Abouzeid, M. (2020, September 10) Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis escalates after the Beirut blast.The Lancet. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31908-5/fulltext
At least 73 dead and 3,700 wounded in Beirut blasts. (2020, August 4). The Journal. Retreived October 9, 2020, from https://www.thejournal.ie/explosion-beirut-lebanon-5167513-Aug2020/
