Syria: Rent Assistance for a Family in Need

November 23, 2025

Yasmin (not her real name) is the mother of two children whose living situation was upended by the 2023 earthquake in Syria, forcing them into a rented space. Yasmin faced incredible stress trying to afford their daily expenses, leaving them in a state of chronic instability.

“Our situation was very difficult. I was managing the household alone while my husband had kidney transplant surgery, and I have a daughter preparing for her high school exams,” Yasmin said.

But help came when Yasmin heard about a program funded by the Romanian Orthodox Church and implemented by IOCC and local partner GOPA-DERD. IOCC was able to provide cash assistance directly to Yasmin’s landlord to cover the family’s rent for several months.

“IOCC paid our rent, which relieved a huge amount of stress. I feel incredibly grateful for one less thing to worry about, and now I can focus on our lives again,” said Yasmin.